North Carolinians, Your Grocery Bill Could Be Going Up This Summer—Here’s Why

If you’re one of the many North Carolinians who make weekly grocery trips, you might want to plan ahead—experts are warning that grocery prices could spike in the coming months.

Tariffs on the Table: What It Means for Your Wallet

While prices on a few items like eggs have dipped lately, a much bigger shift could be around the corner. The culprit? New U.S. tariffs on imported goods from China, Mexico, and Canada.

A recent report from Yale’s Budget Lab suggests that these tariffs could directly impact the cost of key food items, particularly those we import. The biggest area of concern is fresh produce, which may see a price increase of over 5%, enough to put pressure on families already navigating a tight budget.

What Groceries Could Get More Expensive?

These tariffs are expected to affect several everyday items. Shoppers may see a noticeable uptick in prices on:

•  Coffee
•  Sugar
•  Seafood
•  Alcohol (including wine, rum, and whiskey)
•  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
•  Vanilla
•  Nuts
•  Rice

For families in North Carolina, the added cost could total hundreds—or even thousands—more per year, depending on shopping habits and household size. While the Consumer Price Index reports a 2.5% increase in food costs over the past year, the new tariffs could push that number even higher.

Smart Shopping Tips to Stay Ahead

With rising prices, stretching your dollar becomes more important than ever.

Try these simple strategies:

•  Buy in bulk when possible—especially for non-perishables
•  Use a shopping list to avoid impulse buys
•  Download grocery store apps for digital coupons and flash sales
•  Plan meals around weekly specials and stay flexible
•  Never shop hungry—you’ll be less likely to overspend

Opting for store-brand products, checking out discount grocery chains, and cooking from scratch more often are great ways to offset the cost increase.

Don’t Wait—Start Budgeting Today

Even though the full impact of the tariffs isn’t guaranteed yet, it’s smart to act now. Stock up on shelf-stable and frozen items while prices remain steady, and keep an eye on any tariff developments from Washington. Being prepared can help you avoid sticker shock at the checkout lane.

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