To protect himself from inflation, Konstantin Apreotesei radically changed the place where he shops. He no longer goes to the corner, where products are more expensive than in hypermarkets, but has chosen discounters and private brands.

A year ago, I would not have even thought of stepping on it. But you don’t know how to deal with this increase in prices, – admits Kostyantyn, the father of 3 school children.

That’s right, everyone experiences inflation differently, depending on their favorite foods they eat. In August 2022, if you liked French fries, you paid dearly to satisfy your culinary cravings. Compared to August 2021, the price of potatoes increased by more than 50%, and oil by almost the same amount.

Did you want a ferret chick? The price of milk has increased by almost 35%, so it is better to wait.

Below is a list of the 10 most expensive food items:

As inflation hits a 19-year high; butter, eggs, pork, everything became very expensive.

In less than 4 years, some goods have almost doubled in price.

Raw material prices have also increased significantly. In soybeans, the increase is 250%. To wheat and sunflower almost everywhere. Even pods went up in price by almost 220%.

That’s right, only 5% – 10% of the cost of a loaf of bread at the grocery store reflects the price of wheat. The difference is the cost of processing, shipping, labor and energy, and everything else.

As for raw materials, the war in Ukraine strongly affected prices.

Both Ukraine and Russia are major global grain producers – together they account for almost a third of world wheat exports.

Products that contain (directly or indirectly) grains – bread, as well as meat from grain-fed animals (for example, chickens) – will be directly affected.

Since chickens grow quickly, the translation of the increase in the price of groats to chicken meat happens quickly – in about a month and a half. Energy and fuel prices also contribute to an increase in the shelf price.

Fertilizer prices have also tripled compared to last year, not to mention packaging films or plastic wrap, which have seen a sharp increase in price.

How to save while shopping

Specialist websites provide countless tips. Here are some of those tips:

Make a shopping list and stick to it

When you do without a list, you’re tempted to fill your cart much faster with all kinds of food you don’t necessarily need. Plan your meals for the coming week and carefully write down what ingredients you need to prepare them. Once the list is made, buy only the items listed on it and avoid impulse purchases.

Eat before you shop

When you’re hungry and walk into a store full of groceries, there’s a good chance you’ll fill your cart with unnecessary and expensive purchases that will draw you in more than you need to. Or as much as your budget will allow. To keep costs down, eat and shop on an empty stomach first.

Go shopping with your husband and leave the kids at home

Hungry, tired and cranky children increase the time it takes to shop. Every extra minute you spend in the store makes it more likely that you’ll buy more, including toys and snacks designed to keep the kids busy while you try to focus on finding bargains.

Look down

Stores often place the most expensive items at eye level. See below for cheaper items.

Payment in cash

When you buy with a card, you are less susceptible to cash evaporating from the cash register. Pay with cash when you shop and keep your card at home when you go shopping.

A source of advice

Photo: Dreamstime