A grocery trip can feel surprisingly expensive these days. You walk in for a few familiar items, pick up your usual snacks and ingredients, and somehow end up spending more than you planned. For many households, that has meant taking a closer look at what actually deserves a place in the shopping cart. Some shoppers are switching to cheaper brands, while others are cutting out certain treats and ingredients altogether.
A 2025 report by Flipp found that packaged snacks, bakery treats, meat, eggs, and seafood were among the grocery categories shoppers said they would consider cutting back on if prices increased. The findings offer a glimpse into the choices people are making as they try to keep food budgets under control. Here are eight grocery items that are becoming easier for some shoppers to leave behind.
Packaged Snacks Like Chips and Granola Bars
Packaged snacks are convenient, but buying them regularly can quietly add up quickly. A bag of chips here, a box of granola bars there, and a few packs of crackers can make a noticeable difference by the time you reach the checkout. These products are often treated as extras rather than essential groceries, making them easier to remove when money gets tight.
In Flipp’s 2025 grocery report, packaged snacks were the category shoppers most often identified as something they would cut back on if prices increased. About 45% selected them. Some households are choosing larger value packs, store brands, or simple homemade alternatives instead. Popcorn, for example, can be an inexpensive snack when prepared at home, while bananas and other basic fruits can replace individually packaged options.
Bakery Treats Such as Cakes and Cookies
Freshly baked cookies, pastries, muffins, and cakes can make a grocery trip feel a little more enjoyable. Unfortunately, these items aren’t always budget-friendly, especially when purchased regularly. A small box of cookies or a couple of pastries may not seem like a major expense on its own, but the cost adds up when they become part of every shopping trip.
The Flipp report found that 42% of surveyed shoppers would consider cutting back on bakery treats if prices went up. These products are also relatively easy to skip because most households can manage without them. Some shoppers are buying them only for special occasions, while others are baking at home or choosing less expensive alternatives. It is one of those changes that can save money without requiring a complete change to everyday meals.
Soda and Other Sweetened Drinks
Soda is another grocery item that can become expensive when a household buys it frequently. A few bottles or multipacks can quickly increase the total, especially for families with several people sharing them. The cost is even more noticeable when shoppers prefer particular brands or purchase individual bottles instead of larger packages.
According to Flipp’s 2025 survey, 32% of shoppers said they would consider cutting back on soda if prices increased. Some are replacing it with tap water, homemade drinks, or less expensive store brands. Others are simply buying fewer bottles and saving them for weekends or special occasions. It may seem like a small adjustment, but cutting back on nonessential drinks can free up money for everyday groceries.
Meat, Especially More Expensive Cuts of Beef
Meat can take up a substantial part of a grocery budget, particularly when shoppers prefer beef or more expensive cuts. Even a modest amount of steak, ground beef, or other meat products can make a shopping basket considerably more expensive. For households that include meat in several meals each week, the cost can be difficult to ignore.
In the Flipp report, 29% of shoppers identified meat as something they would consider buying less of if prices increased. Beef prices have also remained an important pressure point.
The USDA’s September 2026 Food Price Outlook reported that beef and veal prices were 3.5% higher than they were a year earlier. Some shoppers are responding by choosing less expensive cuts, using smaller portions, or preparing meals with beans and lentils. Chicken and pork can also provide alternatives, depending on local prices and what is on sale.
Eggs
Eggs have long been a familiar grocery staple because they work for breakfast, baking, and quick meals. However, prices have changed dramatically in recent years, making shoppers more conscious of how much they spend. When a household buys several cartons each month, even temporary price increases can affect its food budget.
Flipp’s survey found that 28% of shoppers would consider cutting back on eggs if prices increased. That does not mean eggs are currently becoming unaffordable everywhere. In fact, USDA data showed that retail egg prices in September 2026 were 20.6% lower than in September 2025, following significant increases in earlier years.
Still, the recent price swings have made some shoppers more attentive to promotions and carton sizes. Others are buying only what they need rather than stocking up.
Organic Grocery Products
Organic groceries appeal to shoppers who prefer foods produced under specific farming and handling standards. However, organic versions of everyday products can cost more than their conventional alternatives. That difference can become difficult to justify when a household is trying to reduce its weekly spending.
The Flipp report found that 27% of shoppers would consider cutting back on organic items if prices increased. For some, the adjustment means buying conventional produce instead of organic options. Others continue purchasing organic versions of a few preferred items while choosing regular products for the rest of their shopping list. This approach lets shoppers keep some preferences without paying a premium across the entire grocery basket.
Seafood
Fish and seafood can be nutritious additions to a meal, but they are not always the cheapest supermarket choices. Fresh salmon, shrimp, and other popular seafood options can be particularly expensive, depending on the type, season, and location. Even seafood lovers may buy it less often when other household expenses take priority.
In the Flipp survey, 26% of respondents said they would consider cutting back on seafood if prices increased. Some may choose frozen fish instead of fresh options, while others wait for discounts before buying their preferred varieties. Canned tuna and sardines can also offer more affordable ways to include seafood in meals. For households that do not rely on fish every week, buying less often may be an easy way to manage spending.
Coffee
For many people, coffee is more than an occasional grocery purchase. It is part of the morning routine, which makes it one of the harder items to give up completely. However, the cost of buying coffee regularly can add up, especially for shoppers who prefer premium ground coffee, specialty blends, or well-known brands.
About 16% of shoppers in Flipp’s 2025 report said they would consider cutting back on coffee if prices increased. Some may switch to store brands, buy larger packages when they are discounted, or reduce how much they use each day. Others might save specialty coffee for weekends rather than drinking it every morning. Completely giving it up may not appeal to everyone, but changing the brand or buying habits can make the expense easier to manage.
Why Shoppers Are Becoming More Selective
Cutting back on groceries does not always mean giving up the foods people enjoy. Often, it means deciding which purchases are worth the current price and which can wait. A household might continue buying its usual essentials while skipping packaged snacks, choosing conventional produce, or saving bakery treats for special occasions.
Broader shopping trends support this shift. McKinsey’s 2026 grocery research found that 47% of surveyed consumers had started buying more private label products, while 43% were relying more on promotions. Shoppers are also comparing prices more carefully before deciding where to spend. When every item contributes to the final bill, even small changes can make a difference.
