Have you noticed your grocery bill creeping higher and higher? Well, brace yourself for more sticker shock. With new tariffs coming into effect, many everyday food items are about to get even pricier. The good news? You can take action now. By stocking up on certain items before prices jump, you’ll save money and avoid the panic when everyone else realizes what’s happening. Here’s what you need to know about the coming price hikes and which groceries to buy extra of right now.
Coffee and tea might soon empty your wallet
That morning cup of joe is about to cost you more. Coffee prices are expected to climb as tariffs hit imports from major suppliers like Brazil and Colombia. Think about it – the US can’t grow enough coffee to meet demand, so we rely heavily on imports. When those imports get taxed more, you’ll pay more. Shoppers are already grabbing extra bags of their favorite blends, especially premium brands that will see the biggest jumps.
What can you do? Buy coffee in bulk now and store it properly. Coffee beans stay fresh longer than ground coffee, but both can be stored for months in airtight containers away from light and moisture. If you’re serious about saving, consider buying several pounds of your favorite coffee. The same goes for imported teas, which will face similar price increases. Remember that vacuum-sealed packages last longest, so check those expiration dates and stock up accordingly.
Seafood prices are about to make a splash
Did you know that about 85% of seafood eaten in America comes from other countries? That’s why fish and shellfish are prime candidates for your stockpiling list. Salmon from Chile, shrimp from Vietnam, and tuna from around the world are all facing price increases. The freezer is your friend here. Many shoppers don’t realize that premium seafood can be frozen for months without losing quality. Now’s the time to grab those family packs of fish fillets when you see them on sale.
For the best results, make sure seafood is properly wrapped before freezing. Remove store packaging and rewrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags with the air pressed out. Label everything with the date. Most fish will maintain quality for 3-6 months in the freezer. If you spot a good deal on canned tuna, salmon, or sardines, which last for years, grab a few extra cans. These protein-packed pantry staples will save you money as prices climb at the seafood counter.
Cheese and dairy products will cost more soon
That fancy cheese board is about to get pricier. European cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and French brie will see some of the biggest price jumps. Even everyday cheeses might cost more as overall dairy prices respond to market pressures. The good news? Many hard cheeses freeze surprisingly well. Cut them into smaller portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then put in freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to six months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
Butter is another dairy product worth stocking up on, especially premium European brands like Kerrygold. You can freeze butter for 6-9 months with almost no change in quality. Just keep it in its original wrapper and place it in a freezer bag. Some shoppers are buying several pounds when they see it on sale. For cooking purposes, ghee (clarified butter) lasts even longer at room temperature and makes a great backup to have in your pantry when prices spike.
Nuts and nut products will see price hikes
Nuts are nutritional powerhouses that are about to get a lot more expensive. Cashews, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, and macadamia nuts are mostly imported and will be hit hard by new tariffs. The same goes for many nut butters and nut-based products. The silver lining? Nuts have a naturally long shelf life, and they freeze beautifully for even longer storage. Buy them in bulk now, and you’ll thank yourself later when prices jump at the store.
For maximum freshness, store nuts in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for up to three months. For longer storage, the freezer is your best bet, where they’ll stay good for up to a year. This works for all varieties, from almonds to walnuts. When buying nut butters, check expiration dates and grab the freshest jars. Natural versions without preservatives have shorter shelf lives, so keep that in mind when stocking up. Don’t forget that many nut-based flours and meals will also see price increases.
Olive oil and specialty cooking oils cost more soon
That bottle of extra virgin olive oil is about to get even more precious. Imported cooking oils, especially those from Europe and the Mediterranean, will see significant price increases when tariffs hit. Since most American kitchens rely heavily on these oils, stocking up now makes a lot of sense. The trick is knowing how to store them properly to maintain freshness. Keep oils in a cool, dark place away from heat sources like your stove. Most will stay good for 1-2 years when stored properly.
Besides olive oil, consider stocking up on other specialty oils you use regularly. Sesame, walnut, avocado, and coconut oils will all likely increase in price. When buying, look for dark glass bottles rather than clear ones, as light degrades oil quality faster. Some oils, like walnut, can even be refrigerated or frozen to extend shelf life. Just remember they may become cloudy when cold, but this doesn’t affect quality – they’ll clear up when they return to room temperature.
Wine and spirits will cost more to toast with
Your favorite imported wines and spirits are prime targets for price increases. French Champagne, Italian Chianti, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and other imported alcoholic beverages will likely cost more once new tariffs take effect. Unlike many foods, properly stored wine actually improves with age, making it a perfect item to stock up on. If you have favorites you drink regularly, now’s the time to buy a few extra bottles before prices climb.
Most wines should be stored on their sides in a cool, dark place. Even without a fancy wine cellar, a closet or cabinet away from heat sources works fine for short to medium-term storage. Spirits like whiskey, rum, and vodka last indefinitely once opened, and unopened bottles will maintain quality for years or even decades. Mexican beers and European ales are also expected to see price increases, so grab your favorites when you see them on sale. Unlike wine, beer doesn’t improve with age, so don’t overbuy beyond what you’ll drink in a few months.
Canned goods and tomato products worth buying extra
Your pantry staples are about to cost more too. San Marzano tomatoes from Italy and other imported canned goods will see price increases due to both tariffs on the food itself and on the metals used for packaging. Canned goods are perfect for stockpiling because they last for years. Smart shoppers are grabbing extra canned tomatoes, beans, tuna, and other staples they use regularly. The key is to buy what you’ll actually use, not random items that will sit untouched.
When stocking up on canned goods, check those “best by” dates and grab the freshest ones on the shelf. Store them in a cool, dry place, and use the oldest ones first. Most canned foods remain safe to eat for 2-5 years past their best-by date, though quality may decline slightly. Tomato products deserve special mention – Italian imports like San Marzano tomatoes are expected to see significant price hikes. If you make lots of pasta sauce, pizza, or other tomato-based dishes, stocking up on these premium canned tomatoes now could save you quite a bit later.
Spices and vanilla will soon spice up your bill
Those little jars of spices are about to carry bigger price tags. Many spices come from countries that will be affected by new tariffs, and prices are expected to climb. Vanilla is getting special attention from savvy shoppers, as much of it comes from Madagascar and is already expensive. If you bake often, grabbing an extra bottle or two of pure vanilla extract now could save you money later. The good news is that properly stored spices last a long time.
For longest shelf life, keep spices in airtight containers away from heat, light, and moisture. Whole spices last longer than ground ones – up to 4 years compared to 2-3 years for ground spices. Consider buying whole spices and a simple grinder for maximum freshness and savings. When buying vanilla, pure extract lasts indefinitely due to its alcohol content, though flavor may diminish slightly after 2-3 years. Store it in a cool, dark place in its original dark glass bottle. For other extracts like almond or lemon, the same storage rules apply.
Acting now before prices jump will save you money and stress. Focus on the items you use regularly, check expiration dates, and store everything properly. Remember, this isn’t about hoarding – it’s about smart shopping. By purchasing a few extra items each shopping trip, you’ll build a buffer against rising prices without breaking your budget today. Your future self will thank you when you’re still enjoying your favorite foods without the premium price tags that others will be paying.
