The latest Consumer Price Index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed grocery bills spiked at the fastest monthly pace in nearly four years with a 0.7% increase in food-at-home prices for April and a 2.9% increase over the last 12 months.
An array of grocery staples from produce to protein have skyrocketed in price. Ground beef has reached an all-time high, up nearly 15% in the past year, while a pound of fresh tomatoes is up nearly 40% year-over-year, and iceberg lettuce is up nearly 8%, according to CPI data.
Andy Harig, vice president of tax, trade, sustainability, and policy development for the Food Industry Association, told ABC News the latest CPI numbers reflect a combination of factors like higher energy and diesel prices that raise costs for farmers, truckers and grocers, and that the related jump in grocery prices was expected.
Nonetheless, he said rising prices on staples like beef, poultry, fish, and eggs, which rose approximately 1.5% year-over-year; fruits and vegetables, which increased 1.7%; and dairy products, up 0.8% over the past 12 months; "poses new challenges for shoppers."
"It was a pretty big jump obviously," Harig told ABC News, adding that "energy is going to continue to put pressure on prices" because "food production is energy-intensive, from the field to the shelf to the table."
While Harig said he understands Americans' frustrations, "the food industry is doing everything we can to keep prices in check and support shoppers amid continued market uncertainties as they seek to get the most value out of their grocery dollar."
He noted that where shoppers can save is with "private brands," which he said continue to offer "tremendous value option[s] for people."
How to save money on groceries amid rising food costs
To avoid extreme sticker shock at grocery checkout, there are some convenient ways shoppers can still find savings.
Use coupon apps and sites to save
Shopping expert Trae Bodge previously shared a list of her top tips for saving on groceries with "Good Morning America," which includes using sites and apps like CouponCabin to find offers on grocery delivery and more.
Apps like Grocery Pal, Basket, Checkout 51 and Flipp essentially turn coupon-clipping into a digital experience that your phone does for you and can pull up nearby deals from multiple stores so you can compare and find the lowest prices.
Some deals may require a trip to different locations, which could mean extra time or gas, but depending on the deal, it could be worth it.
Additionally, delivery apps like Uber or DoorDash also promote deals at local stores, sometimes with free delivery.
Grocery store loyalty programs
Loyalty programs give shoppers a ways to stack even more savings.
The free-to-join model helps shoppers accumulate points that can quickly add up to cash back.
Don't buy pre-cut produce
Especially with fresh produce reaching higher prices, Bodge said to avoid pre-cut fruits and vegetables and instead purchase the ingredients whole and prepare them at home.
Look low and high on store shelves
Bodge recommended looking to the lowest and highest shelves in order to find better deals.
"Brands pay for prime real estate at eye level, but there are hidden gems in less visible spots," she said.
Read between the price tags
"You can determine whether or not an item is a good deal by comparing the cost-per-unit [price] rather than the actual price," Bodge advised, adding that the sticker price doesn't always reflect the total value.