Noticed an increase in price of your favorite condiment for barbecues over Memorial Day Weekend?
The average price of a 32 oz. Heinz ketchup bottle in May is $5.22, a 22% jump from its May 2022 price of $4.08, according to Datasembly, a grocery price index calculator. Here’s why prices for ketchup have gone up and ways to save while grocery shopping.
Why is ketchup so expensive?
The 22% price hike can be credited to a tomato shortage that’s hurting the production of pizza sauce, marinara sauce and ketchup. California’s drought conditions have limited its capacity as the leading tomato-producing state.
The drought has been regularly occurring in the state since 2000 with the longest period in California lasting from Dec. 2011 to March 2019.
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How to save at the grocery store?
Make a list. It’s easy to grab and go while walking down the grocery aisle, but a list will assist in avoiding any deviation from your budget.
Choose non-perishable goods. Avoid that awful feeling of throwing away food by choosing items that don’t go bad as quickly. Canned items and pasta tend to be cheaper too.
Keep a running total. As you shop, keep a running total of what you’ve added to the cart. It makes it easier to stick to budget. Plus, the grand total at the register won’t be as much as a shock.
Why is food becoming more expensive?
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, inflation contributed to the increase of food prices, along with global disruption to the food supply chain. This includes weather events, war, animal diseases and plant diseases.
How are prices expected to increase in 2023?
Food prices are expected to grow more slowly in 2023, but they’re still expected to increase by 7.9% overall.
In 2023, prices are predicted to see a 7.2% increase in dairy products, 16.7% increase in fats and oils, 9.9% increase in processed fruits and vegetables, 11.5% in sugar and sweets, 12.8% increase in cereals and bakery products and 9.9% increase in nonalcoholic beverages, according to data from the USDA.
Is it ketchup or catsup?
The answer is both. When Heinz first started selling the condiment in 1876, the company called it “catsup.” The company switched to ketchup to differentiate itself from competitors.
Contributing: Zlati Meyer and Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today