While inflation was higher in May, it was more stable than expected, USA TODAY reported.
Consumer prices increased 2.4% from 2024, according to the Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of the average changes in goods and services costs. However, on a monthly basis, costs increased less than projected — just 0.1%.
Shoppers also feel there’s been a lack of communication from grocers about the impacts of tariffs on prices. In a recently released survey conducted by research firm The Feedback Group this spring, around 1,000 respondents gave the topic an average score of 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5.
We’re keeping tabs on the prices of a range of everyday items and visited four Rochester-area grocery stores June 10 to comparison shop.
We went to Wegmans Food Markets at 745 Calkins Road, Henrietta; Tops Friendly Markets at 1215 Jefferson Road, Henrietta; ALDI at 175 N. Winton Road, Rochester; and Walmart Supercenter at 1490 Hudson Ave., Irondequoit.
Note: The full prices — not the ones you get with loyalty cards — are listed. If you use a store’s loyalty card, you may pay less for these products. Also, note that ALDI does not sell the popular Modelo Especial Beer brand, so we’ve included a comparable option in our ALDI tally.
Prices of eggs (per dozen)
ALDI (Goldhen Grade A Large): $2.96
Walmart (Great Value Grade A Large): $2.96
Wegmans (Wegmans brand Grade AA large): $3.19
Tops (Tops brand Grade AA large): $3.99
Prices of milk (per gallon)
ALDI (Friendly Farms, 2%): $2.67
Walmart: (Great Value, all varieties): $2.72
Wegmans (Wegmans brand, all varieties): $2.99
Tops (Tops brand, all varieties): $4.04
Prices of giant white bread (per loaf)
ALDI (L’oven Fresh brand): $1.39
Wegmans (Wegmans brand): $1.39
Walmart (Great Value brand): $1.42
Tops (Tops brand): $1.79
Prices of bananas (per pound)
ALDI: 52 cents
Wegmans: 53 cents
Walmart: 54 cents
Tops: 59 cents
Prices of avocados
Walmart: 88 cents apiece
ALDI: 89 cents apiece
Wegmans: 99 cents apiece
Tops: $2.49 apiece
See our price check: How much does a grocery trip cost in Rochester?
Prices of ice cream (1.5 quarts)
ALDI (Sundae Shoppe): $2.95
Walmart (Great Value brand): $2.97
Wegmans (Wegmans brand): $3.99
Tops: $4.29
Prices of sugar (in 4-lb. bags)
ALDI (Baker’s Corner): $3.29
Walmart (Great Value brand): $3.46
Wegmans (Wegmans brand): $3.59
Tops (Tops brand): $3.99
Prices of ground beef (1 lb. of 80% lean)
ALDI: $4.69
Wegmans: $5.99
Tops: $5.99
Walmart: $6.53
Prices of beer (six-pack)
ALDI (Holland 1839): $7.99
Walmart (Modelo Especial): $10.32
Wegmans (Modelo Especial): $10.99
Tops (Modelo Especial): $11.49
Emily Barnes on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Are grocery prices feeling the inflation burn? See our price check
