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3471It started with milk. That’s it. A regular, everyday trip to grab a single item. But like so many people have experienced lately, that “quick stop” at the store ballooned into nearly $80 at the register.
One person on Reddit summed up our everyday struggle perfectly: “I just went in for milk. Came out with $78 worth of ‘essentials,’ two existential crises, and a store brand shampoo I didn’t need.”
In the replies, hundreds piled on with stories that echoed the same frustration. Welcome to grocery shopping in 2025: inflated prices, impulse buys you swear you didn’t mean to make, and a gnawing feeling that the system is completely off the rails.
Everyone’s $100 Lighter These Days
One of the most upvoted replies got straight to the point: “I can’t seem to leave the house without spending 100 bucks.” Another person added, “Every time we leave the house, it’s a hundy.”
People aren’t being hyperbolic. Dozens said that $50-$100 is now standard for even the most modest grocery runs.
From a couple of frozen pizzas and deli meat to basic toiletries, many are shelling out what used to be a full week’s grocery bill just to restock.
One comment summed it up with dark humor: “Outside is expensive.”
Dining Out Isn’t Better
Grocery costs may be shocking, but restaurant prices are arguably worse.
“We went to a brunch place for pancakes and it was $80 for two after tip and everything. I was just so shocked. We only got one coffee and two brunch entrees like French toasts.”
Another vented: “We went to a middle of the road restaurant yesterday and it was $40/person. Add on the absolute tip begging bullshit and I’m done.”
The rise of “no-tip places” isn’t just a trend—it’s a financial survival strategy.
Coping Strategies: Pancakes, Aldi, And Lists
Some have adapted in creative (and delicious) ways. One person shared their brunch hack:
“This was the year I learned you can make a bunch of pancakes, freeze them, and then reheat them in the oven… Add the cost of a little butter, maple syrup, and maybe some fruit and the cost is $15-18 for what would somehow cost our family of 3 $65 + tip at the cheapest diner in town.”
Others are religiously meal planning, buying in bulk, or shifting to discount chains.
“Try Aldi’s if you are near one. It easily reduced our groceries by 40%.”
But even Aldi isn’t immune. “We were spending around $160/week at Publix, switched to Aldi a few years ago and our weekly grocery bill went down to $80ish. It’s now back to around $160/week at Aldi.”
Impulse Buying Or Late-Stage Capitalism?
Some replies tried to call out the original poster for buying things they didn’t need.
“You casually admit you bought things that you didn’t need, and then complain that you don’t have any money. Yet you seemingly do not see a connection between those two things.”
But others pushed back.
“It shouldn’t be hard to pick up some extra necessary things like shampoo while making a milk run.”
And: “We shouldn’t have to be living on such extreme margins that an unplanned bottle of store brand shampoo is at issue.”
Price Jumps You Can’t Unsee
Many gave specific examples of everyday items that have recently doubled in cost. Coffee was a big one.
“My store-brand cheap coffee used to be $4.99/lb in December. Last night it was $10.28. I took a picture, I was so appalled.”
“The cheap store brand coffee I buy went up 40% a couple weeks ago.”
Tariffs and supply chain issues were mentioned frequently, though not everyone agreed on the exact causes. Some blamed corporate greed, others pointed at federal policy. Either way, there was agreement: prices are up, and not in small ways.
Families Feel It Most
People with kids chimed in with even more painful totals.
“It usually cost us $100 every time we go into a grocery store. I know that is part my fault for not saying NO to my kids when they want stuff they don’t need. But I grew up pretty poor and it’s really hard to tell my kids NO when they want treats.”
“We have 5 kids… and spend $300/week… $1200+/month for food alone really sucks.”
And it’s not just food.
“12 bars of soap, mouthwash, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, and dental floss costs about $50. Ridiculous.”
It’s Not Just You
While some accused OP of having a spending problem, most commenters offered solidarity instead of judgment.
“Seriously, it’s wild how a ‘quick grocery run’ feels like a mini heist on your wallet and sanity.”
Another chimed in: “It’s about to get worse thanks to all the orange man bootlickers.”
Politics aside, nearly everyone agreed that something is broken.
“Middle class still exists – we just know how to live below our means and maintain our budget.”
That may be true. But judging by the thousands of likes and replies, a lot of people are barely holding on.
So if your last milk run ended in a grocery receipt longer than your arm and a small existential crisis, you’re not alone.
And hey, maybe next time, skip the shampoo. Or don’t. We all deserve small luxuries—even in this economy.
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