How to save money as food prices hit record highs

Inflation, pandemic and international conflicts have impacted the global economy. All the proof you need can be found at the grocery store where basics like cooking oil, eggs and dairy are more expensive today than they ever have been. But you don’t have to panic, because you can lighten your budget a bit by bulk ordering the groceries and sundries you need most from online retailers. Millions of Americans are doing just that to combat the rising cost of living.

Why is everything so expensive right now?

The perfect storm of current events has affected almost everyone on the planet over the past two years. The cost and availability of everyday goods are two places where these effects are most noticeable.

While optimizing supply chains and reliance on just-in-time manufacturing have steadily increased efficiency for years, that all changed when the pandemic hit in 2020. Farms, factories, shipping lanes and all the people and parts needed to suddenly keep them down. shut down, with cascading effects across countless major industries.

After the worst of the pandemic lockdowns, consumers have seen continued setbacks as the global economy does its best to get back into shape. In many places, inflation is at its highest level in years. Isolated incidents, such as grounded container chips blocking vital transportation arteries, have highlighted the razor-thin margins and stretched deadlines the logistics industry relies on. More recently, political unrest and deteriorating international relations have pushed many buyers into panic mode.

To say the least, this is not an ideal situation.

Still, there are ways to ease your wallet a bit without having to settle for low-quality food, single-ply toilet paper, or unhealthy pet food. With a trained eye, you can shop plenty of premium essentials and save money at the same time.

The best bulk products to store

Pablo’s Pride Gourmet Cafe

Coffee has its own supply issues, which are partly due to massive demand and drought in the regions where it is grown. A few of these 2-pound bags from a quality Guatemalan supplier should last a decent amount of time for coffee lovers.

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Pedigree High Protein Dog Food

Although not the most premium brand, Pedigree has an excellent reputation among pet owners and veterinarians. This protein-rich blend is made with beef and lamb and contains no added sugars or artificial flavors.

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Semolina pasta De Cecco

Penne rigate is a versatile pasta shape ideal for macaroni and cheese, chicken alfredo and a wide range of other savory dishes. This bulk pack contains a whopping 20 books at a great price and is ideal for large families.

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Evaxo Long Grain Rice

When stored in a cool, dry place, rice lasts indefinitely, so don’t hesitate to make a small investment in this very economical 25-pound bag.

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Seventh generation recycled toilet paper

When tested on soft velor, this two-ply toilet paper sheds less lint than any premium brand without sacrificing softness. As a bonus, it is relatively environmentally friendly.

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AVO Safflower Oil

Grain farming, oil production and bottling facilities have been hit hard in recent weeks, sending cooking oil prices skyrocketing and forcing grocery stores to consider rationing. Consider this one-gallon jug of nutrient-rich safflower oil, which has a neutral flavor and one of the highest smoke points of common oil types.

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Happy Belly Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese

Few foods are as popular as cheese, but nothing besides gasoline has seen its price skyrocket like dairy products recently. Consider this 2-pound bag as an alternative, as it’s still cheaper in many cases than buying a block of cheese and grating it yourself.

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Ms. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Cleaning Concentrate

With packaging facilities around the world suffering from personnel and machinery problems, individually packaged household chemicals are increasingly inefficient purchases. Opt for bulk packaging instead and make sure you have your own leak-proof spray bottles on hand.

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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.

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