Struggling With Rising Grocery Prices? Don't Expect Relief Anytime Soon

It's no secret that grocery prices have gone up — you probably see it every week in the checkout lane. Unfortunately, it's only going to get worse. The average price of groceries is likely to rise 3% to 4% by the end of 2022, according to new predictions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Besides lingering pandemic-related supply-chain issues, high interest rates and the war in Ukraine are both driving prices through the roof. Here's a roundup of the items poised to keep getting pricier. 

Related: Record Inflation Continues to Bust Consumers' Budgets

Predicted price increase in 2022: 1% to 2%

It might be time to eat healthy. Fresh veggies aren't spared, but prices are going up the least of any major food group the USDA tracks. Prices ticked up 1.1% in 2021. 

Related: Hearty Meatless Meals Even Carnivores Will Devour

Predicted price increase in 2022: 2.5% to 3.5%

Due to an ongoing bird flu outbreak in 23 states, your morning eggs are expected to get even more expensive. The prices already went up a substantial 4.5% in 2021. 

Related: Is Raising Chickens Cheaper Than Buying Eggs?

Predicted price increase in 2022: 3% to 4%

Whether you prefer Oreos or baking your own brownies, it'll cost more to satisfy your sweet tooth by the end of 2022. These guilty-pleasure treats already saw a 3% price bump in 2021. 

Predicted price increase in 2022: 3% to 4%

Whether you like to start the day with a bowl of Cheerios or a fresh croissant, cereal and baked goods got 2.3% more expensive in 2021, and the price increases aren't done.

Predicted price increase in 2022: 3% to 4%

Non-poultry meats like beef, veal, and pork already increased your grocery bill by a whopping 7.7% in 2021, but it's probably only going to go up from there this year.

Predicted price increase in 2022: 3.5% to 4.5%

If you're a seafood lover, you probably already know how outrageous the price of crab legs is right now. That jump helped push up the price of fish and seafood 5.4% in 2021.

Predicted price increase in 2022: 3.5% to 4.5%

Soda, juice, and all those cans of La Croix you go through during the summer got 2.8% more expensive in 2021, and it looks like we'll have even more reason to drink boring old water as the year goes on.

Predicted price increase in 2022: 4% to 5%

Demand for dairy products has increased rapidly, and prices are going up to match. Prices rose a relatively modest 1.4% in 2021. 

Predicted price increase in 2022: 4.5% to 5.5%

While fresh vegetables might only see a modest price bump before the end of the year, the news isn't so good for canned, frozen, and processed vegetables. Plus, they already saw a 2.9% increase in 2021.

Predicted price increase in 2022: 5% to 6%

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it'll increase your grocery bill, too. The price of fresh fruit already went up 5.5% in 2021. A particular pain point right now: citrus fruits, which are seeing huge price bumps because of poor yields in Florida's orange groves.

Predicted price increase in 2022: 6% to 7%

Cooking fats like canola oil and peanut oil already saw a 4.6% price increase in 2021, and are poised for even bigger increases by the end of 2022. In other words, it's going to cost a lot more to deep fry your Thanksgiving turkey.

Predicted price increase in 2022: 6% to 7%

Like fats and oils, poultry prices are expected to see a huge price increase during the rest of the year because of the bird flu outbreak. If you plan to fry your own chicken wings during football season, you may be in for some sticker shock — and prices were already up 5.1% in 2021. 

Related: Best Fried Chicken in Every State