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Food inflation, particularly for meals away from home, persists. consumer price Index The data showed that food prices in March 2026 were 2.7% higher than in March 2025.
However, cooking at home is one way to save money. Prices for meals away from home rose 3.8% year over year, while prices for meals at home were only 1.9% higher.
Not every food category was affected equally. Experts shared five foods you can find cheaper in grocery stores in 2026.
1. Frozen Foods
Experts have extensively listed frozen fruits and vegetables as healthy foods that can help shoppers save money. Heidi McIndoo, Registered Dietitian FoodieMomRDcalled them “very underrated”, noting that she always has frozen fruits and vegetables in her freezer.
“These items are frozen immediately after harvest, (so) they are very nutritious. Plus, they are generally less expensive and have a much longer shelf life, which means they have less risk of spoiling and shoppers have less risk of losing money by throwing them in the trash,” she said.
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2 eggs
After years of rising prices, egg prices are falling in 2026. “Now that the holidays have passed and the chicken population has recovered, the high prices associated with avian flu are coming down,” McIndoe said.
Although shoppers can expect another seasonal surge around Easter, now is a great time to enjoy your favorite egg dishes.
Erica Sandberg, Finance Expert BadCredit.orgAgreed that eggs have become an excellent deal again. “Because they are very high in protein as well as other essential vitamins, they are essential bargain hunters at the supermarket,” she said.
3. Poultry farming
The new American food pyramid, which prioritizes proteins over complex carbohydrates, is leading to more Americans purchasing meat, causing prices to rise. “Meat prices continue to rise,” said e-commerce expert Marty Bauer. omniscient. “This may attract buyers to the chicken.”
He suggests legs and thighs, which tend to be cheaper than lean cuts, for budget-conscious buyers.
You can also find savings on whole birds, which can add up to multiple meals. “If you have a Costco membership, their whole roasted chicken is a consistent ‘yes,'” Sandberg said. “It’s a loss-making deal for the company, about $5 for a whole bird weighing about 3 pounds. They’re incredibly versatile.”
4. Canned and Frozen Proteins
There’s even more good news for Americans following the newly revised food pyramid and increasing their protein intake. Canned proteins, including sardines, tuna and canned chicken, combine convenience with long shelf life and pricing.
Sandberg also suggests frozen proteins like bagged shrimp and other seafood. “I first compare the cost with their newer counterparts,” she said.
5. Produce in season
If you’re shopping for fresh produce, be sure to focus on seasonal fruits and vegetables. “In the winter, you should see a decline in prices for citrus fruits, including grapefruit, tangerines and oranges,” Sandberg said.
Look for healthy green vegetables that can also be used to enhance meals. “I’m always amazed at how much broccoli or green beans I can get for just a dollar or two,” she said.