# Grocery Prices Are Up 2.5% in a Year, and Financial Planners Say These Habits Can Trim Your Bill

Fox Business cites Labor Department data showing food at home up 1.8% and restaurant food up 3.5%. Planners recommend a list tied to a meal plan, store brands, unit-price checks and shopping the pantry first.

- Section: [Economy](https://rightnewsrightnow.com/economy/)
- Published: 2026-10-30
- By: RightNewsRightNow Staff
- Canonical page: https://rightnewsrightnow.com/articles/grocery-shopping-habits-lower-your-bill-food-prices-up-2-5-percent-pantry-unit-price-fox-business/

With inflation still above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, Fox Business asked planners how households can spend less at the store.

The numbers. The latest consumer price index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows overall food prices up 2.5% over the past year. Food at home is up 1.8%. Food away from home is up 3.5%, nearly twice as much.

The planning tips. Kelli Smith of Edelman Financial Engines said shoppers can cut spending by building "an old-fashioned grocery list" around a week's meal plan, and by staying flexible: chicken instead of beef if it is on sale, or store brands when they are cheaper. She said buying staples in bulk helps only if the household will use them before they expire, and that digital coupons and loyalty programs are worth a few minutes of review. She warned against chasing deals that lead to unplanned spending, and said rewards cards and store credit cards "can end up costing more than you save."

The pantry rule. Ted Jenkin of Exit Stage Left Advisors said to "shop your pantry" first by checking the refrigerator, freezer and pantry before making a list. He suggested one weekly trip rather than several small ones or lunch from the hot food bar. He also said to check the unit price because a larger package is not always cheaper, and to store raw meat, milk and produce properly to cut spoilage.

Note for readers: this is general advice from two financial planners, not a forecast of what any household will save. Our earlier stories on Thanksgiving meal deals and on candy and gas prices are on the site.

## Source

Original reporting: [Fox Business](https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/grocery-shopping-habits-can-help-lower-your-bill)