The New Grocery Game: Outsmart Tariff-Driven Price Hikes With This 5-Minute Shopping Checklist
Feeling sticker shock at the checkout? You’re not alone—rising tariffs are quietly pushing up the price of your everyday groceries, especially on imports like olive oil, coffee, and shrimp. But with a simple, five-step checklist, you can protect your wallet before your next trip. Here’s how to stay ahead of the game and bring home more for less, even as prices creep up every week.
1. Scan Your List for Pricey Imports
Start by checking your grocery list for imported staples that have shot up in price. Tariffs have tacked on as much as 4.5% more to foods like coffee and seafood, with CNBC reporting significant hikes on common favorites.
“Approximately 74% of U.S. food imports faced tariffs in 2024, inflating grocery prices everywhere.”
Switch to domestic brands where possible to dodge unnecessary markups!
- Identify big-ticket imports (like olive oil or shrimp)
- Look for “Product of USA” swaps
- Check store-brand alternatives, often from US sources
Next trip, challenge yourself: Can you replace three imported items with local ones?
2. Download a Price-Checking App Before Shopping
Don’t guess which store has the best price—find out in seconds with a free app. Both Capital One Shopping and ShopSavvy let you compare prices across stores, and apply coupons with a tap (Wikipedia: Capital One Shopping).
“Capital One Shopping and ShopSavvy do the hunting—so you don’t overpay for basics.”
Installing one app today can put money back in your pocket by dinner.
- Download Capital One Shopping or ShopSavvy
- Scan your favorite products before you check out
Try it now: What’s the cheapest milk price nearby? You might be surprised.
3. Watch Out for Shrinkflation Tricks
Manufacturers aren’t just raising prices—they’re shrinking package sizes instead, a trend called “shrinkflation.” FinancialContent reports more snacks, cereals, and even toilet paper look the same but hold less.
“Retailers keep prices steady by making boxes smaller—raising the real per-unit cost.”
Always check the price per ounce or count—that’s where the truth (and the savings) hide.
- Compare weights or counts on shelf labels
- Calculate per-unit cost with your phone’s calculator
Every dollar saved is a win. Would you rather get 12 ounces or 16 for the same price?
4. Max Out Coupons—Paper or Digital
With tariffs and inflation, every bit counts. Use coupon apps like SnipSnap to digitize paper deals and store them on your phone, or check weekly store circulars for hidden gems.
“SnipSnap lets you photograph printed coupons and use them at checkout—without carrying paper.”
Just five minutes clipping and saving can knock $10 or more off your bill.
- Photograph coupons from mailers or receipts
- Search digital coupon sections in grocery apps
Clip three coupons now and see the difference on your bottom line.
5. Earn Rewards on Every Trip
Why leave money on the table? Apps like Shopkick reward simple actions—walking in the store, scanning items, even just browsing—turning your routine shopping into an opportunity to earn gift cards (Wikipedia: Shopkick).
“Shopkick users collect rewards just for showing up and scanning products.”
Turn your next trip into a points-earning mission—cash in for savings or treat yourself to something extra.
- Open Shopkick as you walk in
- Scan featured items for instant kicks (points)
Don’t leave the store without some extra value—start earning today!
Conclusion
Tariffs and inflation may hit hard, but they don’t have to win. Use this simple five-step checklist before every grocery trip: check for imports, compare prices, watch for shrinkflation, use smart coupons, and earn rewards. Taking just five minutes before you shop can protect hundreds of dollars a year—for real. Ready? Download a price-checking app, clip your first coupon, and make your next grocery run a win, not a loss.