coopersdad
Footballguy
Son in college in East TX bought groceries yesterday. Got 24 eggs for 5.99/dozen.
It's because "Eggs are so expensive!" is a proxy for "Groceries are about 50-75% higher than they were several years ago". Don't know of research and charts bear out that 50-75% number exactly, but that's about what it feels like.So if, based on that chart, a "normal" price for a dozen eggs is around $2, we're talking an extra $9 per month per person if prices stay this high. A family of four, $36 extra per month. That's not nothing, but sure seems like a weird thing that has become this huge focus.
But anyway, it's one thing to harp on the general grocery-prices increase ... but then you can hold up the egg-prices increase uniquely and cite a much more impressive rise -- a 300% increase over the past six months or so (!).
It's because "Eggs are so expensive!" is a proxy for "Groceries are about 50-75% higher than they were several years ago". Don't know of research and charts bear out that 50-75% number exactly, but that's about what it feels like.So if, based on that chart, a "normal" price for a dozen eggs is around $2, we're talking an extra $9 per month per person if prices stay this high. A family of four, $36 extra per month. That's not nothing, but sure seems like a weird thing that has become this huge focus.
But anyway, it's one thing to harp on the general grocery-prices increase ... but then you can hold up the egg-prices increase uniquely and cite a much more impressive rise -- a 300% increase over the past six months or so (!).
I track groceries, restaurants, and combined food. They are tough to measure individually due to shifs in consumption (not a lot of resatuarants in 2020). My grocuery spend was up around 20% between 2020 and 2023, and actually came down in 2024 (10%). Total food in 2023 was up 37% vs 2020, but again lower in 2024 (9.7%). Up 3.9% January over January.
Biggest change was timing of my food purchases - I'll buy 4 months of coffee when it is on sale. We eat progresso soup. We bought 40 cans when it was marked down from 2.79 to 1.29. I'll also shop earlier in the morning to find the marked-down produce and I'll shop 3-4 days a week to have less food waste. We will change up the taco filling to take advantage of the sale. Substitution plays a small role, but we are still eating the same types of foods. I only shop one grocery store, but I use the digital coupons religously.It's because "Eggs are so expensive!" is a proxy for "Groceries are about 50-75% higher than they were several years ago". Don't know of research and charts bear out that 50-75% number exactly, but that's about what it feels like.So if, based on that chart, a "normal" price for a dozen eggs is around $2, we're talking an extra $9 per month per person if prices stay this high. A family of four, $36 extra per month. That's not nothing, but sure seems like a weird thing that has become this huge focus.
But anyway, it's one thing to harp on the general grocery-prices increase ... but then you can hold up the egg-prices increase uniquely and cite a much more impressive rise -- a 300% increase over the past six months or so (!).
I track groceries, restaurants, and combined food. They are tough to measure individually due to shifs in consumption (not a lot of resatuarants in 2020). My grocuery spend was up around 20% between 2020 and 2023, and actually came down in 2024 (10%). Total food in 2023 was up 37% vs 2020, but again lower in 2024 (9.7%). Up 3.9% January over January.
People don't tend to actually experience the full inflation amount due to substitution. This could be buying the same thing but off-brand, shopping at Walmart instead of Whole Foods, or moving from filets to london broil. As someone who obviously carefully pays attention, just curious if that was a factor for you at all?
Not only that, but I was thinking "several years" ... I'm thinking further back than "immediately before the pandemic".People don't tend to actually experience the full inflation amount due to substitution
12-15 a weekMaybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
You notice it more in the ads also. The same crap over and over with things like Buy One, Get another 50% off. If you just shopped the ads, you are better off getting what you need at Aldis.It's because "Eggs are so expensive!" is a proxy for "Groceries are about 50-75% higher than they were several years ago". Don't know of research and charts bear out that 50-75% number exactly, but that's about what it feels like.So if, based on that chart, a "normal" price for a dozen eggs is around $2, we're talking an extra $9 per month per person if prices stay this high. A family of four, $36 extra per month. That's not nothing, but sure seems like a weird thing that has become this huge focus.
But anyway, it's one thing to harp on the general grocery-prices increase ... but then you can hold up the egg-prices increase uniquely and cite a much more impressive rise -- a 300% increase over the past six months or so (!).
I track groceries, restaurants, and combined food. They are tough to measure individually due to shifs in consumption (not a lot of resatuarants in 2020). My grocuery spend was up around 20% between 2020 and 2023, and actually came down in 2024 (10%). Total food in 2023 was up 37% vs 2020, but again lower in 2024 (9.7%). Up 3.9% January over January.
People don't tend to actually experience the full inflation amount due to substitution. This could be buying the same thing but off-brand, shopping at Walmart instead of Whole Foods, or moving from filets to london broil. As someone who obviously carefully pays attention, just curious if that was a factor for you at all?
I was at the Chesterton Jewel the other day, I couldn’t believe how expensive they were. 12-packs of Pepsi, 10.99? Pop Tarts 8-pack, $4.99? Eggs, 6.99 - but they were out. The organic eggs were 10.99 though.Checking in from Chicago, where normal eggs at the regular grocery stores are $8/dozen, and cage-free run $11-13/dozen. There are signs everywhere saying they're sorry about the low (or non-existent) stock, and getting the fancier eggs has been difficult. This is just basic Mariano's or Jewel pricing, not Whole Foods or the like. Given some of the posts here saying your eggs are $5, I'd drive to Indiana if I ate a lot of eggs.
I'd put it between 4-7 a week. I'll do 2-3 egg breakfast on the weekends. Maybe a fried egg on English muffin one day a week.Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
1-2 dozen a month.Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
we mostly do egg whites.Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
Checking in from Chicago, where normal eggs at the regular grocery stores are $8/dozen, and cage-free run $11-13/dozen. There are signs everywhere saying they're sorry about the low (or non-existent) stock, and getting the fancier eggs has been difficult. This is just basic Mariano's or Jewel pricing, not Whole Foods or the like. Given some of the posts here saying your eggs are $5, I'd drive to Indiana if I ate a lot of eggs.
Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
I've been known to eat 50 in an hour, but only when challengedMaybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
No man can eat 50 eggs.I've been known to eat 50 in an hour, but only when challengedMaybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
Well my one year old eats 3 eggs for breakfast twice a week.Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
This thread plus my parents and in laws visiting from out of state has me re-recognizing how much farther my money goes in TX vs other statesChecking in from Chicago, where normal eggs at the regular grocery stores are $8/dozen, and cage-free run $11-13/dozen. There are signs everywhere saying they're sorry about the low (or non-existent) stock, and getting the fancier eggs has been difficult. This is just basic Mariano's or Jewel pricing, not Whole Foods or the like. Given some of the posts here saying your eggs are $5, I'd drive to Indiana if I ate a lot of eggs.
Ouch. Just picked up two 18 Large basic egg cartons at my local Kroger for $2.99/each. Didn't know how good we have it in Houston.
The 2 of us go through maybe 15 a week, and that used to be higher. For a year or two I ate 3 hardboiled eggs a day for lunch. Maybe I should do that again now while eggs are still $4.99/doz. here, before millions more chickens have to be killed.Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
Would you be surprised to learn that wage increases have outpaced grocery inflation, (33% to 25%) over the last 4 years?All I know is, my wife and I make a pretty decent combined income........our income is much higher than it's ever been in our almost 20 years of marriage.......and it feels like we have less disposal income then we've ever had......hell, we we had more money to blow when she was staying home with babies, and it was just my income. I do not know the numbers, but I'd bet most groceries have doubled, or tripled, in price over the last 10-20 years. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up the pace at all.
Some things we've done to offset are......meal prepping. We cook big meals and freeze. We try to eat a lot of whole foods. Fruit, veggies, etc. pre-packaged stuff is spendy AF, and generally bad for you anyway.
I eat two a day.Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
Would you be surprised to learn that wage increases have outpaced grocery inflation, (33% to 25%) over the last 4 years?All I know is, my wife and I make a pretty decent combined income........our income is much higher than it's ever been in our almost 20 years of marriage.......and it feels like we have less disposal income then we've ever had......hell, we we had more money to blow when she was staying home with babies, and it was just my income. I do not know the numbers, but I'd bet most groceries have doubled, or tripled, in price over the last 10-20 years. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up the pace at all.
Some things we've done to offset are......meal prepping. We cook big meals and freeze. We try to eat a lot of whole foods. Fruit, veggies, etc. pre-packaged stuff is spendy AF, and generally bad for you anyway.
Would you be surprised to learn that wage increases have outpaced grocery inflation, (33% to 25%) over the last 4 years?All I know is, my wife and I make a pretty decent combined income........our income is much higher than it's ever been in our almost 20 years of marriage.......and it feels like we have less disposal income then we've ever had......hell, we we had more money to blow when she was staying home with babies, and it was just my income. I do not know the numbers, but I'd bet most groceries have doubled, or tripled, in price over the last 10-20 years. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up the pace at all.
Some things we've done to offset are......meal prepping. We cook big meals and freeze. We try to eat a lot of whole foods. Fruit, veggies, etc. pre-packaged stuff is spendy AF, and generally bad for you anyway.
That is probably a true statement, but missing some context.
It's the lower and higher end workers seeing the largest wage increases. Middle class is doing okay, but not 33%.
It's also a one for one comparison and doesn't account for the 20+ other aspects of inflation that eat into the same wage growth. (Home. Auto, insurance, energy, medical...)
Yeah, meat prices are crazy. The last few months I've been able to find choice ribeyes or NY strips for $6-8 per lb. There have been multiple weeks with someone having $2.99 80/20 ground beef. Chicken legs or thighs really available for .99/lb. Somewhere most every week.Amy's Mac n Cheese in the freezer, accept no substitutes...except it's now $6.79 for an 8 oz container, think those used to be under $4-$5 a couple years back
What items specifically have you seen rise in recent years and what have you done in response if anything?
Amy's meals are out of control. I can pickup up ribeye, NY strip, or porterhouse sale of the week for $7.99 a pound. Fresh market had shrimp last week for $7 a pound and 32 oz chickens for $7. Why the heck would i eat macncheese for $14 a pound.
Harris Teeter (Kroger owned) still has decent bogo.
Generally make a Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Harris Tetter loop and try to catch the healty stuff on sale.
Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
Interesting.....my anecdotal evidence is to the contrary. My wife and I live on the West Coast, and both work in healthcare. Our wages do not match COLA increases around here. Real estate is insane, along with groceries.Would you be surprised to learn that wage increases have outpaced grocery inflation, (33% to 25%) over the last 4 years?All I know is, my wife and I make a pretty decent combined income........our income is much higher than it's ever been in our almost 20 years of marriage.......and it feels like we have less disposal income then we've ever had......hell, we we had more money to blow when she was staying home with babies, and it was just my income. I do not know the numbers, but I'd bet most groceries have doubled, or tripled, in price over the last 10-20 years. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up the pace at all.
Some things we've done to offset are......meal prepping. We cook big meals and freeze. We try to eat a lot of whole foods. Fruit, veggies, etc. pre-packaged stuff is spendy AF, and generally bad for you anyway.
Yea, who is getting these increases? Tech world maybe? Not everybody works in tech.Would you be surprised to learn that wage increases have outpaced grocery inflation, (33% to 25%) over the last 4 years?All I know is, my wife and I make a pretty decent combined income........our income is much higher than it's ever been in our almost 20 years of marriage.......and it feels like we have less disposal income then we've ever had......hell, we we had more money to blow when she was staying home with babies, and it was just my income. I do not know the numbers, but I'd bet most groceries have doubled, or tripled, in price over the last 10-20 years. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up the pace at all.
Some things we've done to offset are......meal prepping. We cook big meals and freeze. We try to eat a lot of whole foods. Fruit, veggies, etc. pre-packaged stuff is spendy AF, and generally bad for you anyway.
That is probably a true statement, but missing some context.
It's the lower and higher end workers seeing the largest wage increases. Middle class is doing okay, but not 33%.
It's also a one for one comparison and doesn't account for the 20+ other aspects of inflation that eat into the same wage growth. (Home. Auto, insurance, energy, medical...)
I don't know if it's a value of the dollar argument or a case of other things not rising keep the overall inflation number down.Would you be surprised to learn that wage increases have outpaced grocery inflation, (33% to 25%) over the last 4 years?All I know is, my wife and I make a pretty decent combined income........our income is much higher than it's ever been in our almost 20 years of marriage.......and it feels like we have less disposal income then we've ever had......hell, we we had more money to blow when she was staying home with babies, and it was just my income. I do not know the numbers, but I'd bet most groceries have doubled, or tripled, in price over the last 10-20 years. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up the pace at all.
Some things we've done to offset are......meal prepping. We cook big meals and freeze. We try to eat a lot of whole foods. Fruit, veggies, etc. pre-packaged stuff is spendy AF, and generally bad for you anyway.
That is probably a true statement, but missing some context.
It's the lower and higher end workers seeing the largest wage increases. Middle class is doing okay, but not 33%.
It's also a one for one comparison and doesn't account for the 20+ other aspects of inflation that eat into the same wage growth. (Home. Auto, insurance, energy, medical...)
Not true (well true in the sense it's not 33% but still pretty good), lower class is doing the best but middle class wage inflation still outpacing inflation as a whole by 3-6%, and outpacing the upper class.
Have to scroll down a bit to figure 7:
![]()
Americans’ Wages Are Higher Than They Have Ever Been, and Employment Is Near Its All-Time High
After adjusting for inflation, wages are higher than at any point in U.S. history, and after adjusting for age and sex, the percentage of the population that is employed is around its peak in U.S. history.www.americanprogress.org
The prices are one thing, but we have seen a lot of shrinkflation. Frito Lay is shrinking their bags again right now.I don't know if it's a value of the dollar argument or a case of other things not rising keep the overall inflation number down.Would you be surprised to learn that wage increases have outpaced grocery inflation, (33% to 25%) over the last 4 years?All I know is, my wife and I make a pretty decent combined income........our income is much higher than it's ever been in our almost 20 years of marriage.......and it feels like we have less disposal income then we've ever had......hell, we we had more money to blow when she was staying home with babies, and it was just my income. I do not know the numbers, but I'd bet most groceries have doubled, or tripled, in price over the last 10-20 years. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up the pace at all.
Some things we've done to offset are......meal prepping. We cook big meals and freeze. We try to eat a lot of whole foods. Fruit, veggies, etc. pre-packaged stuff is spendy AF, and generally bad for you anyway.
That is probably a true statement, but missing some context.
It's the lower and higher end workers seeing the largest wage increases. Middle class is doing okay, but not 33%.
It's also a one for one comparison and doesn't account for the 20+ other aspects of inflation that eat into the same wage growth. (Home. Auto, insurance, energy, medical...)
Not true (well true in the sense it's not 33% but still pretty good), lower class is doing the best but middle class wage inflation still outpacing inflation as a whole by 3-6%, and outpacing the upper class.
Have to scroll down a bit to figure 7:
![]()
Americans’ Wages Are Higher Than They Have Ever Been, and Employment Is Near Its All-Time High
After adjusting for inflation, wages are higher than at any point in U.S. history, and after adjusting for age and sex, the percentage of the population that is employed is around its peak in U.S. history.www.americanprogress.org
But looking at wage growth vs the top 5 expenditures (shelter, vehicles, food, insurance, medical) it isn't keeping pace. All 5 of those things are at or near record highs as well.
Then things like clothing or hotel stays have remained stagnant for 5 years, which brings down the overall inflation number.
I'd guess my government wage has gone up about 15-18% over the last 5 years. It was 1.9% this year. Our health premiums are up 13% from last year and now updated property taxes are hitting our county which is up significantly from last year because home values are up. Long way of me saying I've lost buying power over the last 30 days alone and it's not getting better.
So macro level, I'm sure wages are keeping pace, but I still feel that statement is lacking context.
CPI aims to account for thatThe prices are one thing, but we have seen a lot of shrinkflation. Frito Lay is shrinking their bags again right now.I don't know if it's a value of the dollar argument or a case of other things not rising keep the overall inflation number down.Would you be surprised to learn that wage increases have outpaced grocery inflation, (33% to 25%) over the last 4 years?All I know is, my wife and I make a pretty decent combined income........our income is much higher than it's ever been in our almost 20 years of marriage.......and it feels like we have less disposal income then we've ever had......hell, we we had more money to blow when she was staying home with babies, and it was just my income. I do not know the numbers, but I'd bet most groceries have doubled, or tripled, in price over the last 10-20 years. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up the pace at all.
Some things we've done to offset are......meal prepping. We cook big meals and freeze. We try to eat a lot of whole foods. Fruit, veggies, etc. pre-packaged stuff is spendy AF, and generally bad for you anyway.
That is probably a true statement, but missing some context.
It's the lower and higher end workers seeing the largest wage increases. Middle class is doing okay, but not 33%.
It's also a one for one comparison and doesn't account for the 20+ other aspects of inflation that eat into the same wage growth. (Home. Auto, insurance, energy, medical...)
Not true (well true in the sense it's not 33% but still pretty good), lower class is doing the best but middle class wage inflation still outpacing inflation as a whole by 3-6%, and outpacing the upper class.
Have to scroll down a bit to figure 7:
![]()
Americans’ Wages Are Higher Than They Have Ever Been, and Employment Is Near Its All-Time High
After adjusting for inflation, wages are higher than at any point in U.S. history, and after adjusting for age and sex, the percentage of the population that is employed is around its peak in U.S. history.www.americanprogress.org
But looking at wage growth vs the top 5 expenditures (shelter, vehicles, food, insurance, medical) it isn't keeping pace. All 5 of those things are at or near record highs as well.
Then things like clothing or hotel stays have remained stagnant for 5 years, which brings down the overall inflation number.
I'd guess my government wage has gone up about 15-18% over the last 5 years. It was 1.9% this year. Our health premiums are up 13% from last year and now updated property taxes are hitting our county which is up significantly from last year because home values are up. Long way of me saying I've lost buying power over the last 30 days alone and it's not getting better.
So macro level, I'm sure wages are keeping pace, but I still feel that statement is lacking context.
Almost never buy eggs. On the rare occasion we get a half dozen (maybe once a year), it’s usually for a specific recipe, so they get used up quickly.Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
I’m sure you’ve mentioned this before, but between the bars, ostrich jerky, and eggs, how much protein do you consume in a typical day?Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
About 4-5 daily (2 eggs and 2-3 egg whites) so about 2 dozen/week.
I’m sure you’ve mentioned this before, but between the bars, ostrich jerky, and eggs, how much protein do you consume in a typical day?Maybe I should create new thread/pole for this question, but how many freakin eggs do you people eat? If we go through a dozen in a month, that’s a lot. Most months it’s usually six or none at all?
About 4-5 daily (2 eggs and 2-3 egg whites) so about 2 dozen/week.
But looking at wage growth vs the top 5 expenditures (shelter, vehicles, food, insurance, medical) it isn't keeping pace. All 5 of those things are at or near record highs as well.
The prices are one thing, but we have seen a lot of shrinkflation. Frito Lay is shrinking their bags again right now.I don't know if it's a value of the dollar argument or a case of other things not rising keep the overall inflation number down.Would you be surprised to learn that wage increases have outpaced grocery inflation, (33% to 25%) over the last 4 years?All I know is, my wife and I make a pretty decent combined income........our income is much higher than it's ever been in our almost 20 years of marriage.......and it feels like we have less disposal income then we've ever had......hell, we we had more money to blow when she was staying home with babies, and it was just my income. I do not know the numbers, but I'd bet most groceries have doubled, or tripled, in price over the last 10-20 years. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up the pace at all.
Some things we've done to offset are......meal prepping. We cook big meals and freeze. We try to eat a lot of whole foods. Fruit, veggies, etc. pre-packaged stuff is spendy AF, and generally bad for you anyway.
That is probably a true statement, but missing some context.
It's the lower and higher end workers seeing the largest wage increases. Middle class is doing okay, but not 33%.
It's also a one for one comparison and doesn't account for the 20+ other aspects of inflation that eat into the same wage growth. (Home. Auto, insurance, energy, medical...)
Not true (well true in the sense it's not 33% but still pretty good), lower class is doing the best but middle class wage inflation still outpacing inflation as a whole by 3-6%, and outpacing the upper class.
Have to scroll down a bit to figure 7:
![]()
Americans’ Wages Are Higher Than They Have Ever Been, and Employment Is Near Its All-Time High
After adjusting for inflation, wages are higher than at any point in U.S. history, and after adjusting for age and sex, the percentage of the population that is employed is around its peak in U.S. history.www.americanprogress.org
But looking at wage growth vs the top 5 expenditures (shelter, vehicles, food, insurance, medical) it isn't keeping pace. All 5 of those things are at or near record highs as well.
Then things like clothing or hotel stays have remained stagnant for 5 years, which brings down the overall inflation number.
I'd guess my government wage has gone up about 15-18% over the last 5 years. It was 1.9% this year. Our health premiums are up 13% from last year and now updated property taxes are hitting our county which is up significantly from last year because home values are up. Long way of me saying I've lost buying power over the last 30 days alone and it's not getting better.
So macro level, I'm sure wages are keeping pace, but I still feel that statement is lacking context.
SFA I hopeSon in college in East TX bought groceries yesterday. Got 24 eggs for 5.99/dozen.
A subject we've talked about elsewhere, but this is the primary reason for the birth rate decline.But looking at wage growth vs the top 5 expenditures (shelter, vehicles, food, insurance, medical) it isn't keeping pace. All 5 of those things are at or near record highs as well.
Insurance inflation is becoming a real issue.
Shelter is obviously most people’s biggest expense. But inflation there doesn’t impact millions and millions (2/3) of Americans who own their home. And 60% of mortgages are still under 4%. It really only impacts renters and people trying to buy their first home (who are getting screwed!).
Vehicle inflation also is hard to judge. I’m 52 and have purchased five cars (including the two we have now). Total. I’ve spent more of my adult life without a car payment than with one.
It gets back to something we talk about in the retirement planning thread - what is your personal rate of inflation? If you’re a renter who commutes 2 hours a day and has medical issues, it’s probably higher than CPI. If you own a home and don’t drive much, it’s definitely much lower than CPI.
Was buying some cheese and noticed is was now 7 ounces instead of 8. Folgers clipped off 4 ounces on their cans of coffee but kept price the same
The only reason everyone is upset about eggs is they couldn't make them 10/carton like they have everything else. Shrinkflation is actually super gross. Underhanded. Shady. Borderline evil.Was buying some cheese and noticed is was now 7 ounces instead of 8. Folgers clipped off 4 ounces on their cans of coffee but kept price the same
I am old enough to remember going to the market and buying what was literally a pound of coffee (when the cans weighed 16 ounces).