Tracking the price of food, experiment for MT

[midwesterner (banned)]

So inflation is going up in the grocery stores, and it's reflecting the prices. Thought this would be a fun little experiment. We all go to the grocery store to shop so everyone can join in this experiment. Here's the way this will work. I'm going to pick 5 staples that most all us shop for, and going to track their price this year for 2011. This should be interesting seeing it's nationwide. If your in Canada you can join in too, but price your food in Canadian dollars and make sure you say so when posting. When prices go up, or down we will post them on here. Check your receipts when you get home, and add the prices of these items and update them. Come year end if this goes well, I'll sum up the amount of gain or loss per poster, and then as a whole to see how much inflation has taken up on these goods. Pick the average priced good, or the brand you always use. Once you pick a brand, you must stick with that brand, and not choice a cheaper or more expensive one. List the brand you have chosen below. Continually update your prices as year goes by to keep up with current prices. NOTE: If item is a store promotion that week or on sale please skip that because it's a loss leader and is promotional item, not reflecting the average overall cost. We want to keep the standard everyday cost of the item here, not the sales prices of a promotion. Here are the items we will track. 1 Dozen Carton of Eggs: $ 1 Gallon of Milk: $ 1 Standard container of Coffee (in tin): $ 1 Standard Box of Corn Flakes: $ 1 Standard Bag of Potato Chips: $ I think this could be interesting experiment, and would could see if inflation is truly effecting prices in the grocery store. ^{_{offtopic-do-not-remove:lôLîiJíHkòIîgGEHlòHò}}

[z]

Can we also track 'tin foil hat' prices? I think that is one of the surest market indicators...



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up 29.7384% in my area!

[dancinmama]

Jan 22, 2011 11:53:11 GMT -5 midwesterner (banned) said:

So inflation is going up in the grocery stores, and it's reflecting the prices. Thought this would be a fun little experiment. We all go to the grocery store to shop so everyone can join in this experiment.

Here's the way this will work. I'm going to pick 5 staples that most all us shop for, and going to track their price this year for 2011. This should be interesting seeing it's nationwide. If your in Canada you can join in too, but price your food in Canadian dollars and make sure you say so when posting.

When prices go up, or down we will post them on here. Check your receipts when you get home, and add the prices of these items and update them. Come year end if this goes well, I'll sum up the amount of gain or loss per poster, and then as a whole to see how much inflation has taken up on these goods. Pick the average priced good, or the brand you always use. Once you pick a brand, you must stick with that brand, and not choice a cheaper or more expensive one. List the brand you have chosen below. Continually update your prices as year goes by to keep up with current prices.
NOTE: If item is a store promotion that week or on sale please skip that because it's a loss leader and is promotional item, not reflecting the average overall cost. We want to keep the standard everyday cost of the item here, not the sales prices of a promotion.

Here are the items we will track.

1 Dozen Carton of Eggs: $
1 Gallon of Milk: $
1 Standard container of Coffee (in tin): $
1 Standard Box of Corn Flakes: $
1 Standard Bag of Potato Chips: $

I think this could be interesting experiment, and would could see if inflation is truly effecting prices in the grocery store.

I think you would have to specify the size of the last (3) items. The coffee would probably be an 11 oz can. Corn flakes come in all sized boxes so you'd have to pick the one you think is "standard". The potato chips I would assume is like the size of a normal bag of Lays.

Or maybe when you get your receipt you could break the last three items down by price per oz. That would definitely keep it consistent.

[midwesterner (banned)]

I think you would have to specify the size of the last (3) items. The coffee would probably be an 11 oz can. Corn flakes come in all sized boxes so you'd have to pick the one you think is "standard". The potato chips I would assume is like the size of a normal bag of Lays.

Or maybe when you get your receipt you could break the last three items down by price per oz. That would definitely keep it consistent.

Great Idea!. I'll correct that once the you or the first poster puts a standard size up, and we'll go from there. Whomever goes to grocery store first and checks the standard size, let me know and I'll fix those 3 so we are all on same page. We could also pick a brand for last three too? I'm assuming in USA and Canada we all get the major coffee, corn flakes, and potatoe chip brands? I'll fix that once I or someone else goes to the store and finds out exactly.

[kman]

Your gonna make a good wife someday Mid.

I heard They"re selling marshmellow fluff by volume now, so the container stays the same size and they add more air bubbles to make it weigh less.

[midwesterner (banned)]

Please keep this professional. I'm asking you boys to go play somewhere else, and keep this thread on topic please. This experiment could show some real results, and let's keep it on topic.

Thank you Z and Kman for your cooperation.

[kman]

This is more a topic for smart spending than mt.

[z]

"Please keep this professional."
lmao...when in the hell have you ever kept anything you say 'professional' !?!

Actually, midwesterner, I think you've hit your stride now as the head of the 'coupon clippers club'. I hope it works out for you.

[silverguy25]

This experiment won't work with random across the US grocery lists. You have to take into consideration cost of living per region. For instance back in my army days we'd receive a COLA, which would swing wildly depending where you were stationed. Schofield Barracks, HI was money, Ft Campbell, Kentucky not so much.

Cooking chicken parmesian for guests tonight, had to pick up some olive oil. Damn! That definitely went up.

[z]

If that goofball midwesterner could scrape together enough brain cells to have a legitimate thought then he would have seen that before he posted this latest garbage.

[robinking]

I don't think this is dumb. It's rather simple. If done correctly, it can help people see a trend. I'm game.

Maybe go with:

1. Gallon of store brand milk?
2. Box of brand name corn flakes?
3. Case of Bud Light cans?
4. 1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream- brand to be determined? If not a 1/2 gallon anymore, then do the math! lol
5. Bag of Lay potato chips? Size to be determined?
6. Pound of sugar?
7. Pound of flour?
8. Dozen eggs?
9. Pound of hamburger?
10. Pound of chicken breasts?

Let's track this for 2011 and see where it goes? What can it hurt?

[robinking]

Jan 22, 2011 14:00:33 GMT -5 robinking said:

I don't think this is dumb. It's rather simple. If done correctly, it can help people see a trend. I'm game.

Maybe go with:

1. Gallon of store brand milk?
2. Box of brand name corn flakes?
3. Case of Bud Light cans?
4. 1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream- brand to be determined? If not a 1/2 gallon anymore, then do the math! lol
5. Bag of Lay potato chips? Size to be determined?
6. Pound of sugar?
7. Pound of flour?
8. Dozen eggs?
9. Pound of hamburger?
10. Pound of chicken breasts?

Let's track this for 2011 and see where it goes? What can it hurt?

Just got off the phone with the girlfriend who's at the grocery store.

1. Milk- Country Fresh $3.58/gallon
2. Eggs- Lakeshore $1.64/dozen
3. Wonder Bread- $1.88/loaf or 20 Oz.
4. Tyson Chicken- $3.32/lb
5. 80/20 Hamburger- $2.66/lb
6. Pillsbury 5lbs Flour- $2.28
7. Pioneer 5lbs Sugar- $3.42
8. Lays Family Size Chips- $2.78/ 11 Oz.
9. Kelloge's Corn Flakes- $3.12/24 Oz.
10. Case of Bud Light Cans- $14.97
11. Breyer's Vanilla Ice Cream- $3.25/1.5 Quarts

Let's see what the numbers are per person in December?

[texasredneck]

Robin how many cans in your case of light? Seems cheap for a full case of 24.

[texasredneck]

Mid Robin eats better than you must be a Doctors healthy influnce. Why don't you two get togather on a list and I will go along.

[Deleted]

Doesnt it also depend on WHERE you shop

The price differences between Giant and Safeway can be large....

Also what about the discount places....Costco and such

You HAVE to be consistent for this to have any chance of success

But i ALSO think this belongs in the other thread....YM

[8 Bit WWBG]

I think this is an excellent idea. The "grocery shrink ray" has been firing on our beloved staples for years. With gas prices set to go higher this year, we will no doubt be fired upon again. During $4/gallon gas 2 years ago, manufacturer's opted to shrink rather than raise prices.

Take the Tropicana OJ -- the 64oz container that is now 58oz. Apparently people can't do math.

The items chosen have very high variation though and need to be much more specific. For me, I buy extra large cage free organic eggs at Trader Joes ($2.99/dz) and I buy really high quality coffee ($14 for an 8.8oz can).

I like the fluff comment. Although I never buy it, I'm sure that is a great way to hide shrinkage.

The potato chips need to be pinned down. Can we all agree on a brand? DF and I like Trader Joe's kettle chips.

Perhaps add Orange Juice in there: Tropicana (regular, not 'extra pulp' or 'extra calcium') What kind of bread do people buy... or does the OP buy?

Looking forward to popping in from time to time.

[decoy409]

This is a good guage post. Of course some here will simply do little but continue to profess and make themselfs out to be asses, the majority that actually go to the store and shop for groceries knows that the current rate explosion has merley just got going.
Away from the price guide for a moment (if you don't mind Mid), people think they will simply grow their own. Oh they will hey? That's funny! Because you will have to grow GMO. That's delicious stuff! And good for you to! Amish are on the TARGET for being dealt with as they stear far and wide away from GMO.
Of course those that are able to stay away from GMO now will be having a tough time doing so in the near future. Soil destruction, Water destruction, and Colony collapse of the 4 MAJOR pollinating Bees going out will help lead the way for GMO once and for all.
Good to know that 'REAL VALUE' given is something we all agree on!

[kman]

www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/MealBuilderView?storeId=10052&catalogId=&langId=-1

Check out these $6.00 meals at the local grocer.

One of my employees told me he spent $200.00 for food for five meals for five days. He would have saved 25% on his bill and not have dirtied a single pot or pan. Not to mention the energy to and time to cook it.

These meals in a restaurant would cost $15.00 +++ and they are just as good. Did I mention that this creates jobs for the people that prepare them. Fresh everyday! Forbes Magazine...top company to work for. Your local grocer could be put to shame by this company.
Note: Custom products again a winner.

[decoy409]

Your a joke! Never had to be like this with you. But now I am. 60 MILLION fell off the work line and not even counted as part of your workforce, over 50 MILLION on FOOD STAMPS, 1 out of 5 NOW getting support in one form or another and you have the odasity to talk about $15.00 plates of slop like that's the way for all???

[kman]

Your being a jerk Decoy. The guy that works for me is not on food stamps or unemployed. We did the math together and he could eat better and save 25%. You can't buy the ingredients and cook it yourself for six bucks. Yes it does create jobs and with a great company. If every grocer did this. It would create at least 50 new jobs per store and I have no idea, how many grocery stores there are around the country. Your behaving like a toxic person.

[decoy409]

No, I am not behaving like a jerk, but I am trying to give the impression I am. And while doing so, I like to see the creation made and brought out. It's a social experiment that runs pretty deep and I would not expect many to understand.
Oh, glad you did the math! I am sure it is a real fryer!

Is that like AIG math?

[kman]

Your impression is spot on! How many other personalities are there?

[robinking]

It was a case Texas. We drink cheap up here in Michigan. How about this, we make our own list as I did and update it monthly? This will account for regional differences.

[midwesterner (banned)]

Robin and everyone else, I'll start a new thread on this topic, but let's brainstorm on the most basic foods and products in grocery store. No coupons, promotions, or superstore prices. Just average run of the mill grocery store.

Regional doesn't matter, so long as you use same store for pricing each time. We don't need store names, just brand names of products and standard sizes. Robin had some good suggestions.

I was thinking about doing this with 10 items, a few generic like beef price, or chicken per lbs, and 12 eggs. Then other 7 items will all be brand names nationwide. Let's hear some suggestions on other items, then I'll put together a list before month end. We can track this month to month.

FYI, some grocery stores have prices online, and you can check websites so long as it's local store, otherwise you'll have to go to local store. This is about % increase or decrease in these goods, so the retail price before tax is what we are looking for. I'll work up % later once all that are paticipating put their prices down. First month is going to be Jan and Feb combined since we are so close to months end.

So, lets add some product suggestions below here. Great input all, I think this will be interesting.!!!!!!!!!!

[robinking]

Mid, did you see my list?

[robinking]

Just got off the phone with the girlfriend who's at the grocery store.

1. Milk- Country Fresh $3.58/gallon
2. Eggs- Lakeshore $1.64/dozen
3. Wonder Bread- $1.88/loaf or 20 Oz.
4. Tyson Chicken- $3.32/lb
5. 80/20 Hamburger- $2.66/lb
6. Pillsbury 5lbs Flour- $2.28
7. Pioneer 5lbs Sugar- $3.42
8. Lays Family Size Chips- $2.78/ 11 Oz.
9. Kelloge's Corn Flakes- $3.12/24 Oz.
10. Case of Bud Light Cans- $14.97
11. Breyer's Vanilla Ice Cream- $3.25/1.5 Quarts

Let's see what the numbers are per person in December?[/quote]

[djrick]

Discretionary items in disinflation (that 60" Plasma TV) while everything you need to actually keep a heartbeat going rises. Of course here in 'merica we won't recognize food, fuel as a measure of inflation since its so volatile. Sir Alan saw to that little inconvenient problem early on.

[midwesterner (banned)]

Posters Prices

Months Tracked	Jan/Feb	Mar/Apr	May/Jun	July/Aug	Sep/Oct	Nov/Dec	% Change
Gallon Milk/Store Brand	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total
Dozon Eggs/Store Brand	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total
20 oz Wonderbread	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total
1lb Chicken Breast/Store Brand	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total
1lb 80/20 Ground Beef/Store Brand	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total
5lb Flour/Store Brand	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total
5lbs Sugar/Store Brand	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total
11 oz Lays Potato Chips	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total
24 Oz Kelloge’s Corn Flakes	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total
12 Case Coke	First	Second	Third	Forth	Fifth	Sixth	Total

[midwesterner (banned)]

Adding up final touches to the graph, will add each persons prices to the graph. I'm hoping to get about 15- 20 people invovled here, and it will be every two months. So Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/June, ect. I'll tally up scores once we get some info, 4 months, 6 months, but at least a half way mark before 2012.

If your interested here are categoies, and please post your interest, I'm going to try to give about 15 slots for posters charts.

[Deleted]

For this to be EFFECTIVE and not just a farce

1. Shoppers must target ONE supermarket only....and then use that market every month (noting if regular retail or discount would be appropriate)
2. Area of country must be noted (south, mortheast, west, etc) as COL is definitely different in some areas of country
3. Shopping at same time of month would also help...as vendors do price markups usually once a month if there is one
4. Not all the brands you have listed will be available everywhere....people should be able to rebrand a product....and then stick to that brand throughout the year

Just a few thoughts on getting valid data....otherwise you are pissing into the wind