One of the most consistent expenses in any household budget is grocery shopping, but lately, it’s gotten more expensive. In 2023, the average American household spent over $8,100 on food at home, or 7.4 percent of its income. But it’s not just inflation that’s driving prices up. Global trade tensions, shifting economies, and rising tariffs quietly affect prices.
A recent SmartAsset study shows the impact varies by region, but one trend is clear: protein prices are rising faster than overall inflation, hurting many. Pew Research reports that nearly 70 percent of Americans find it increasingly difficult to afford healthy food. However, those with fixed or lower incomes were most affected.
