Price check: How much more do eggs, other essential groceries cost in metro-east?
As prices for essentials continue to rise, we at the News-Democrat thought it would be useful to monitor the costs of common grocery items at different area stores to provide you with week-to-week comparisons.
Food costs have risen by 3% in the last 12 months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Restaurant prices have risen by 3.8%, while the inflation rate for groceries is 2.4% over the last year.
One popular grocery item that’s seen disproportionately steep price increases is eggs. Avian influenza outbreaks across the nation have contributed to rising costs and led to the deaths of 20 million egg-laying chickens in three months, CBS News reported in January. This figure includes chickens that died directly from the disease, as well as those culled due to an infection within the flock.
While eggs are still significantly more expensive than they were last year, at several metro-east grocery stores, the popular item has seen some price relief recently compared to the peak.
Another key factor in price changes is the looming threat of tariffs by the Trump administration. Avocados, mangoes, tomatoes, jalapenos and limes are frequently imported to the U.S. from Mexico, and if and when the pause on tariffs against Mexico ends, prices for those items are likely to increase quickly.
While prices have increased for many grocery items across the board, you may be able to find better deals for particular items depending on the store you visit.
We made a list of 10 food staples and will visit Schnucks in Swansea, Target in Fairview Heights, Walmart in O’Fallon, Dierbergs in Shiloh and Aldi in Belleville each week to record the prices of the following items: eggs, 2% milk, bread, ground beef, bananas, cheddar cheese, Cheerios, potato chips, lettuce and ground coffee.
Week 1 represents prices recorded by BND reporter Jennifer Green Feb. 26, and prices are updated on a weekly basis. Week 8 prices were recorded April 16.
Compared to eight weeks ago, all five metro-east stores have seen egg prices decline somewhat. The price of ground beef is up at Aldi, Dierbergs, Walmart and Target, while Schnucks’ price has remained steady, at $6.99 per pound. Schnucks’ ground beef price is still higher than several competitors’.
Shopping around for your essentials? Here’s who’s leading prices on each item, as of April 16:
- Eggs: Aldi, at $4.47 per dozen. This is a $0.50 per dozen price decrease compared to last week.
- Milk: Aldi, at $2.48 for 1 gallon of store/generic brand 2% milk.
- Bread: Brands and loaf type vary by store, but Aldi’s $1.39 loaf of white store/generic brand is one of the cheapest options.
Ground beef: Aldi, at $4.59 per pound.
Bananas: Aldi, at $0.49 per pound.
Cheddar cheese: Aldi, at $2.09 for an 8-ounce block.
Cheerios: Aldi is the cheapest for the generic option, at $1.65 for a 12-ounce box, and Walmart is cheapest for the Cheerios brand, at $3.68 for 8.9 ounces.
Potato chips: Aldi’s generic potato chips are the cheapest overall at $1.89 for 10 ounces. For the Lay’s brand, Walmart is cheapest at $3.50 for 8 ounces.
Head of lettuce: Aldi, at $1.79.
Coffee (ground): Aldi is the cheapest overall per ounce at $9.75 for 30.5 ounces of Classic Roast. Target is cheapest for Folgers, at $5.79 for 9.6 ounces.
How can you save money on groceries?
While inflation has reduced purchasing power for essentials, there are ways to help your budget stretch further.
Financial website NerdWallet recommends people consider the following tips to save some money:
Check your fridge and pantry to see what you already have before making your shopping list.
Limit your shopping trips to reduce impulse buying.
Stick to your list.
Pay attention to price tags and consider the item’s weight or size when comparing prices between brands.
Check your mail and email for any coupons.
Other budget-friendly tips include using a grocery rewards card when possible, signing up for any available loyalty programs and joining a wholesale club such as Costco or Sam’s Club.
What about gas?
Unlike most grocery items, gas prices are down from 12 months ago, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Gasoline costs declined by 7.6% from March 2024 to March 2025, and travel company AAA reports Illinois’ average price per gallon is $3.397 as of April 17.
Still, there are ways to further reduce what you pay for gas. One popular option is GasBuddy, an app where you can locate the cheapest gas near you and earn cash back on purchases.
The app Upside also has a gas station locator by price and offers cash back on gas station, restaurant and grocery purchases.
Members of AAA can join a fuel rewards program to save money at participating Shell gas stations. People with memberships at Sam’s and Costco can also save on gas at members-only stations.
Residents located near Metro-Link or MetroBus stations and people for whom biking or walking is an accessible option can also cut down on gas costs.
This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
