Inflation is falling, but your groceries are still expensive.<\/p>\n
The Consumer Price Index rose<\/a> 3.5% in June over the past 12 months, cooling from its 4.2% in May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Tuesday<\/a>.<\/p>\n While the index \u2014 measuring how much the cost of everyday items changes over time \u2014 saw the biggest drop since 2020, it\u2019s not good news for grocery shoppers. The fall mostly came from energy, as the index<\/a> fell 5.7%, the largest one-month drop since April 2020.<\/p>\n A man examining a packaged fish product while shopping Serhii \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n The gasoline index also decreased by 9.7% over the month. Along with energy costs dropping, auto prices<\/a> helped drive June\u2019s modest inflation reading, with new vehicles remaining flat over the month and used cars and trucks falling 0.2% in June.<\/p>\n Thirsty? Good news, nonalcoholic beverages fell 1.5% in June, as did coffee, after the index declined 2%. Fruits and vegetables also dropped by 0.2 percent over the month.<\/p>\n Where consumers are seeing upticks or high prices remaining are at the store. The food index rose 0.2% in June, as it did in May. Plus, food at home also rose 0.2% over the month.\u00a0<\/p>\n Grocery prices are divided into six major categories. According to the CPI, four of those six categories increased last month. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs shot up 0.6%, and within that category, egg prices jumped 4.3% in just one month. Dairy products were also up 1.2%.<\/p>\n While prices may give shoppers some sticker shock, The Post put together a list of the cheapest retailers and grocery stores selling staples. Just note that prices will likely vary based on your zip code, so if you\u2019re pinching pennies, be sure to check with your local spots and compare.<\/p>\n A shopper looking at chicken thighs Sergey Ryzhov \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n Cheapest stores for eggs<\/p>\n The Post found three stores that offered large, white eggs for under $2. The cheapest was at Walmart<\/a> where a 12-count of cage-free, large white eggs is priced at $1.47. Kroger was next<\/a>, where their grade A large white eggs will set you back $1.59.<\/p>\n Cheapest stores for dairy<\/p>\n While the dairy index covers many items, The Post focused on the classic, single American cheese slice. Walmart again came in first with its 16-count, Great Value Singles<\/a> for just $1.88. Aldi took the second spot with its Happy Farms American Cheese Singles<\/a> priced at just $1.89.<\/p>\n A young woman shopping near the meat products at the grocery supermarket Andrii \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n Cheapest stores for poultry<\/p>\n For the poultry index, The Post chose to search for the cheapest chicken thigh, as shoppers can count on that cut to be the cheapest. Once again Walmart had the cheapest<\/a> sticker price as it is currently selling Perdue chicken thighs for $4.36, which is roughly 1.90-2.42 per pound.<\/p>\n Target came in a very close second as the retailer is selling<\/a> those exact same thighs for $4.82. Meanwhile, Aldi came in third<\/a> with its Kirkwood Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs selling for $6.64 per pound.<\/p>\n Cheapest stores for fish <\/p>\n The Post chose tilapia for the fish index as it\u2019s typically the best bang for your buck and found that Walmart\u2019s Great Value brand has the best price. Its frozen, skinless and boneless tilapia are $6.28 per pound. Aldi came in second with a cool $6.79 per pound, while Kroger is charging $6.99<\/a> per pound as it\u2019s locally sourced.<\/p>\n Cheapest place for meat<\/p>\n