13 Grocery Items That Cost Less Than $1 — Not That Long Ago
A list of grocery staples that used to cost under a dollar just a few years back.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Prices at the grocery store have skyrocketed, but it was not that long ago when a handful of essentials barely made a dent in your wallet. This list looks back at everyday items that once cost less than a dollar and felt like a total bargain. It is a small but powerful trip back to a time when a dollar stretched a whole lot further.
1. White Bread
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A loaf of white bread used to cost less than a dollar in many places, making it a true essential. Even big brands sold loaves for under $1 during sales. Now, that same loaf feels like a luxury compared to its old price tag.
2. Dozen Eggs
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Eggs were once the go-to affordable protein, often priced around 99 cents per dozen. Grocery stores stacked them high during weekly promotions. Today, you might need to double or triple that just to get a basic carton.
3. Bananas
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Bananas were a classic cheap snack, often hovering around 30 cents per pound. They were the ultimate grab-and-go item that felt practically free. Now, that same bunch rings up a little higher than you would expect.
4. Bag of Rice
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A small bag of white rice easily slipped under the $1 mark and could feed a family for days. It was one of the smartest buys on any tight budget. Rising prices have now pushed even the smallest bags out of that sweet spot.
5. Potatoes
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A few pounds of potatoes once cost less than a single dollar. They were the ultimate side dish for anyone trying to stretch their meals. Now, they come bundled with a slightly heavier price.
6. Instant Ramen
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Instant ramen was a college student’s best friend. At around 25 to 30 cents per pack, it was the definition of budget-friendly eating. Prices have nudged up, but ramen still tries to hold onto its cheap-and-cheerful reputation.
7. Milk (Half-Gallon)
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Half a gallon of milk used to be a dollar or even less when on sale. Families stocked up without a second thought. Now, milk prices seem to jump a little higher each time you blink.
8. Canned Vegetables
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Canned corn and green beans once proudly sat at 50 to 75 cents a can. They were the ultimate pantry staple for easy meals. Finding those prices now feels like spotting a rare treasure.
9. Apples (Per Pound)
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There was a time when apples came in at less than a dollar per pound. They were the snack that balanced taste and budget perfectly. These days, that same healthy choice can feel a little less wallet-friendly.
10. Cheese Singles
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A pack of cheese slices often flirted with that $1 mark during grocery promotions. Perfect for sandwiches and late-night snacks, they were a fridge favorite. Today, those cheese singles demand a little more from your wallet.
11. Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
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Frozen juice concentrates used to cost pennies under a dollar and made enough juice for the whole family. It was a refreshing bargain that felt like a small luxury. Now, it has climbed the price ladder just like everything else.
12. Table Salt
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A full container of table salt once sold for around 50 cents or less. It was the kitchen MVP hiding in plain sight. Even small grocery trips often included salt because it barely cost a thought.
13. Sugar (Small Bag)
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A small bag of sugar was another long-time grocery staple that remained under a dollar. Bakers and coffee lovers alike relied on it. Now, it feels almost unbelievable how cheap it once was.