Grocery prices are about to jump again, and I’m not happy about it. New tariffs on food imports from Canada and Mexico are set to kick in, and that means we’ll all be paying more at checkout. I’ve been through enough price hikes to know the drill by now – get ahead of the game by stocking up on certain foods before the increases hit. The good news? With a little planning, you can save money and avoid the sticker shock that’s coming. Here’s what to grab now while prices are still reasonable.
Meat and poultry prices will hit your wallet hard
Have you noticed how meat prices keep creeping up? Well, brace yourself – they’re about to get worse. Over half of the fresh red meat that comes into the US is from Canada, along with tons of poultry and processed meats. When those tariffs kick in, you can bet prices will shoot up at the grocery store. If you have freezer space, now’s the time to stock up on chicken breasts, thighs, ground beef, and pork chops – basically whatever meats your family eats regularly.
The key is proper storage. Get some good quality freezer bags and push out all the air before sealing. Label everything with the date you froze it. Most meats will stay good in your freezer for 3-6 months when stored properly. This is especially important for red meat and seafood, which tend to be more expensive to begin with. Don’t go overboard though – only buy what you know you’ll use. The last thing you want is to end up throwing away freezer-burned meat that you forgot about.
Nuts and nut butters are worth grabbing now
I was shocked to learn that Mexico is the second-largest exporter of nuts to the US. That means almonds, walnuts, pecans, and other nuts are likely to get pricier soon. The same goes for nut butters – peanut butter, almond butter, and others. These are great items to stock up on because they last a long time. Nuts can be stored in your freezer for up to a year without losing quality, and unopened nut butters can sit in your pantry for months.
Don’t forget about nut-based flour alternatives like almond flour, which might also see price increases. If you use these regularly, now’s the time to add a few extra packages to your cart. Store nuts in airtight containers to keep them fresh longer. For nut butter, remember that natural ones with oil separation last longer if you store them upside down – this helps prevent the oil from pooling at the top. When you do open them, keep them in the refrigerator to extend their life even more.
Canned goods and dried beans will save you money
Canned goods are about to get more expensive too, especially beans, lentils, and other legumes. Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Canada are major suppliers of these products to the US. The great thing about canned beans is that they last for years in your pantry – between 2-5 years for most canned goods. They’re also incredibly versatile – you can use them in soups, salads, main dishes, and even some desserts (black bean brownies, anyone?).
If you have storage space, consider buying dried beans too. They take up less space than canned beans and are usually cheaper. Dried beans can last 1-2 years when stored properly in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Other canned goods worth stocking up on include canned meats like tuna and chicken, soups, and tomato products (sauce, paste, diced tomatoes). These are staples that you’ll use eventually, so buying them before prices go up just makes sense.
Fruits and vegetables from Mexico will cost more
Did you know Mexico is the largest exporter of fruit to the US? That means a lot of the fresh produce we’re used to buying year-round – like avocados, tomatoes, berries, and citrus – will likely see significant price increases. Combined with Canada, these two countries account for about $14 billion in vegetable exports to the US. That’s a lot of produce that’s about to get more expensive! The challenge is that fresh produce doesn’t last very long, so you can’t stock up the same way you can with other foods.
The solution? Go for frozen fruits and vegetables. They’re harvested at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, so they maintain most of their nutrients. Plus, they last for months in your freezer. Stock up on frozen berries, mango chunks, and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans. Another option is to buy canned fruits and vegetables, which can last for years. Just be mindful of added sugars in canned fruits and sodium in canned vegetables – look for options with “no added sugar” or “low sodium” on the label.
Rice and pasta are pantry staples to grab now
Rice and pasta are kitchen workhorses that form the base of countless meals. While not all of these products come from Canada or Mexico, the general rise in food prices means these staples are likely to get more expensive too. The good news is that dry pasta and rice have extremely long shelf lives – up to two years for pasta and even longer for white rice (brown rice has oils that can go rancid, so it doesn’t last as long). These items are also frequently on sale, so watch for good deals and stock up.
To maximize shelf life, store rice and pasta in airtight containers to keep out moisture and pests. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well. Consider buying a 20-pound bag of rice if you eat it regularly – it’s much more economical than smaller packages. For pasta, mix up your varieties – spaghetti, penne, rotini – so you don’t get bored. And don’t forget quinoa and other grains that can add variety to your meals while also having long shelf lives.
Frozen meats and seafood last longer than you think
I mentioned meats earlier, but seafood deserves special attention. If you enjoy fish and shellfish, you’ve probably noticed they’re already expensive. With tariffs coming, prices are likely to climb even higher. Canada exports a significant amount of seafood to the US, including salmon, cod, and shellfish. Buying these items now and freezing them can save you money in the coming months. Many people don’t realize that most seafood freezes quite well, especially fatty fish like salmon.
For best results, wrap seafood tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag with all the air squeezed out. Or better yet, vacuum seal it if you have that option. Properly stored, most fish will maintain good quality for 3-4 months in the freezer. Shellfish like shrimp can last even longer – up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator for the best texture. Don’t forget about frozen prepared meats too – things like frozen meatballs, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks might also see price increases, so grab them now if your family enjoys them.
Coffee and tea prices could make you jittery
If you’re like me and can’t start your day without coffee, you might want to stock up now. While not all coffee comes from Canada or Mexico, the overall effect of tariffs can ripple through the market and affect prices across the board. Coffee beans can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for up to a month, but for longer storage, the freezer is your friend. Whole beans will stay fresh longer than ground coffee, so consider buying whole beans and grinding them as needed.
Tea drinkers should also consider stocking up. Most teas have a very long shelf life when stored properly – up to two years for many varieties. Keep tea in airtight containers away from strong odors, as tea can absorb smells from its surroundings. If you use instant coffee, now’s a good time to buy extra, as it has a very long shelf life. For those who enjoy freeze-dried coffee, that can last even longer – up to 20 years in some cases, making it a great option for long-term storage.
Cooking oils and spices are worth the investment
Cooking oils and spices are items we use in small amounts, but they’re essential for making food taste good. Many spices are imported, and their prices can be affected by global market changes and tariffs. The good news is that most dried spices last a long time – 1-2 years for ground spices and 3-4 years for whole spices. Buying them now before prices increase makes sense, especially for the ones you use most often.
As for cooking oils, their shelf life varies. Vegetable oil and canola oil can last 1-2 years unopened, while olive oil is best used within a year of opening. Store oils in a cool, dark place to extend their life. If you use a lot of specialty oils like sesame or walnut oil, consider buying extra now. For the best value, look for sales on larger bottles of oils and spices you use regularly. Extra virgin olive oil in particular might be worth stocking up on, as it’s already expensive and could see significant price increases if supply chains are disrupted.
Remember, the key to smart stockpiling is to buy what you’ll actually use. There’s no point in saving money on groceries now if they’ll just go to waste later. Start by making a list of the foods your family eats regularly, then watch for sales on those items. Don’t go into debt buying excessive amounts – even small stockpiles can help you weather price increases. And always rotate your stock, using the oldest items first. With these strategies, you can keep your grocery budget under control even as prices continue to climb.
