According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area have risen 2.9% over the past year. This is part of a longer trend of food prices increasing since 2009. In 2022, reported national food prices increased by 9.9%, the highest on record since 1979.
To save money on groceries, it is important to compare prices between stores and brands. You can also get deals by planning ahead and buying in bulk. If you can, try to wait until you are making a trip to a specialty store to buy staples. Costco, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s sometimes offer good prices, but when you compare by price-per-ounce, freshness, or quality, they often fail to beat a local Chicago business or specialty market.
One of the best ways to save money on meat is to buy it from a halal butcher. Farm City Meat Halal & Grocers in Chicago offers a wide variety of halal meats at competitive prices. They also have a large butcher counter, so you can get your meat cut to order.
For bread, Publican Quality Bread is a good option. It is available at several locations in Chicago, including Dill Pickle Food Co-op and Belli’s on Blue Island Avenue. Publican’s bread is more expensive than some other brands, but it is very high quality and lasts longer in the fridge.
Joong Boo Market is a great place to buy Korean food. They have a wide variety of items, including fresh produce, meat, and seafood. On Wednesdays and Fridays, they offer a sashimi special that is very popular. They also have a sale on ramen on the first of the month.
Fruit can be expensive, but there are a few places in Chicago where you can find good deals. Jerry’s in Niles has drool-worthy prices on fresh fruit, and Cermak Fresh Market on Cermak Road also has good prices on produce.
Specialty coffee is a luxury, but it is possible to find good deals on it. La Casa del Pueblo in Pilsen sells Dark Matter Coffee for less than you can buy it at the Dark Matter locations. The coffee at La Casa may be a bit older, but it is still very good.
By following these tips, you can save money on groceries without sacrificing quality. So next time you are planning a trip to the grocery store, be sure to do your research and find the best deals on the items you need.
