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Food Buddy Bites

Your Weekly Food Price Intelligence Report

Edition #4  Β·  Tuesday, June 23, 2026

πŸ’§ Water  β€’  🍳 Food  β€’  🏠 Shelter  β€”  Three Things to Survive
πŸ“° This Week’s Focus

Good News for Your Grocery Bill: US Food Inflation Cools, But Keep an Eye on Produce Prices!

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Price Watch

Good news, Food Buddies! The latest reports show that overall grocery prices are cooling down here in the US, even though general inflation is up due to energy costs. This is a welcome change for our wallets!

However, we’re seeing a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall trend is positive, US food inflation still rose 3.1% in May 2026. The biggest culprits? Fruits and vegetables. These fresh favorites are getting pricier, outpacing other food categories. So, while your pantry staples might be holding steady, you might notice your fresh produce bill inching up.

This cooling trend in Western grocery inflation is a stark contrast to some other parts of the world, where food costs are reaching critical highs. It’s a good reminder that while we’re seeing some relief, staying smart about our shopping is always key.

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Supply Alerts

This week, the news doesn’t highlight any major widespread supply chain disruptions or shortages for common grocery items in the US. This is fantastic news, as stable supply usually means more consistent prices!

The focus has been more on price movements rather than availability issues. This suggests that shelves should be well-stocked, giving us plenty of options to choose from. No need to panic buy any particular item this week!

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Save More This Week

Shop Smart for Produce: Since fruits and vegetables are getting pricier, focus on what’s in season and on sale. Check your local flyers for deals on berries, corn, or other summer produce. Consider frozen options for out-of-season items like peas or spinach – they’re often cheaper and just as nutritious!

Plan Your Meals: With overall food inflation cooling, planning your meals around sales is more effective than ever. Look at what proteins or pantry staples are discounted and build your week’s menu from there. This helps you avoid impulse buys on more expensive items.

Buy in Bulk (Wisely): If you have access to a warehouse club like Costco, and you’re seeing prices soar in your area (like in Seattle, according to one report!), it might be a good time to stock up on non-perishables or items you use frequently. Just make sure you’ll actually use them before they expire!

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Budget Recipe of the Week

Super Simple Black Bean Tostadas

11 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
28 corn tortillas
31 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work great)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Lay corn tortillas on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until slightly crispy. Mash the black beans lightly with a fork, then spread onto the warmed tortillas. Top with shredded cheese and bake for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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From the Vault: Weird Historical Recipe
Victorian England

Calves’ Foot Jelly

“A wobbly, savory-sweet treat that’s surprisingly good for you (they said)!”

Weird Factor: 7/10 – Intriguing but definitely not for everyone
Ingredients
β€’Calves’ feet
β€’Water
β€’Lemon juice
β€’Sugar
β€’Wine or brandy
Instructions
Calves’ feet were boiled for many hours until the collagen dissolved, creating a rich, gelatinous stock. This stock was then strained, clarified, and often flavored with lemon juice, sugar, and a touch of wine or brandy before being chilled until set into a clear, shimmering jelly.
πŸ“œ Historical Note: This jelly was not only considered a delicacy but also believed to have restorative and medicinal properties, especially for invalids, due to its high collagen content.
Sources

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