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Grocery Prices Are Skyrocketing, But I'm Still Finding Savings. Here's What I Found

Price slashing from retailers like Target is real -- and it's slowly lowering my grocery bill.

Headshot of Dashia Milden
Headshot of Dashia Milden
Dashia Milden Editor
Dashia is the consumer insights editor for CNET. She specializes in data-driven analysis and news at the intersection of tech, personal finance and consumer sentiment. Dashia investigates economic shifts and everyday challenges to help readers make well-informed decisions, and she covers a range of topics, including technology, security, energy and money. Dashia graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She loves baking, teaching spinning and spending time with her family.
Dashia Milden
2 min read
Getty Images/Tharon Green/CNET

It's no secret that groceries are expensive right now. With inflation keeping prices high, every dollar counts. So I'll jump at the opportunity to save on my weekly Target hauls -- especially when it comes to necessities like coffee.

Last week, I was ready to drop the usual $7 for my 48-ounce Starbucks vanilla iced coffee, which usually lasts me a week in my fridge. Before I could grab it, a clearance sign caught my eye: Califia Farms' unsweetened black iced coffee, originally $4.49, was on sale for $2.24.

I'm not a Starbucks loyalist, so for me it was an easy yes. 

A lot of us are used to trekking to different stores to seek out deals. The latest CNET survey shows that 77% of Americans are experiencing "sticker shock" from how much they're paying for groceries. And 16% are even leaning on financing (like credit cards and Buy Now, Pay Later) to cover expenses right now.

Read more: 93% of Americans Are Worried About Inflation. How Rising Prices Are Changing How We Spend and Save

High prices have led to slower sales for some national retailers. As a result, many, like Target, Michaels, IKEA and H&M, have been lowering prices.

Last month, Target announced that it was slashing stickers on over 5,000 items this summer, including its Good & Gather food and beverage brand. The deals can be a money-saver, and I'm already reaping the rewards with my weekly coffee expense. 

Right now, Target is offering $1 off select Califia Farms' coffee beverages and creamers, so I may go back and restock my fridge before the deal ends on June 8. 

Tip

Thanks to the coffee deal (and more deals like this), I'm saving about $10 every two weeks. That's $20 a month, which adds up to $240 a year. Since prices are high right now, I'm able to put the savings toward other expenses, like groceries and gas. You could also stash your savings in a high-yield savings account to earn even more over the long term.

I'm not saying you should run to Target and scour every aisle to look for 50%-off deals. But being open to shifting your spending preferences can help you save a little extra on essentials or that daily cup (who am I kidding, cups) of coffee. Those little savings add up. 

Shop around for other brands that may offer a similar (and sometimes better) product for less. And if you find a money-saving hack, share the tip with others.

We could all use a win at the grocery store these days.