TRENTON, N.J. — Soaring food costs are changing shopping habits across New Jersey, where residents are increasingly avoiding once-staple grocery items that have seen dramatic price spikes since January.
According to recent market data and agriculture reports, ten supermarket staples — including eggs, avocados, and beef — have jumped in price by as much as 75%, prompting many consumers to leave them off their grocery lists altogether.
Eggs have climbed approximately 53% in price year-over-year, largely due to a widespread avian influenza outbreak that has decimated poultry flocks across the U.S. Prices on eggs are starting to come down, but they still cost more than they did.
“Eggs are basically a luxury now,” one shopper wrote on social media, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the state.
Avocados, especially the larger varieties, have experienced the most dramatic hike. Prices for large Hass avocados are up 75.4%, while extra-large versions have risen 38.2%. The spike is linked to a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico imposed in early 2025, coupled with poor weather in avocado-producing regions.
Fruit and vegetable prices have also surged. Strawberries are up 53%, while collards rose 42.9%, and oranges climbed 37% — impacted by citrus greening disease and reduced imports from Brazil. Squash and carrots are both up around 30%, with cabbage trailing closely at 29%.
Beef, a staple protein for many households, has seen a 30% rise since January, driven by the lowest cattle inventory levels in over 70 years. Drought conditions and herd contraction have tightened supplies nationwide. Analysts warn prices could continue climbing through 2026.
While individual product costs vary by location, the trend across New Jersey supermarkets is clear: shoppers are scaling back.
Rounding out the top 10, collards and cabbage — traditionally low-cost greens — have not been spared. Produce inflation and supply chain bottlenecks continue to exert pressure on the vegetable market across North America.
Tariffs introduced in 2025 have worsened the pricing crisis for imported produce. Items from Mexico and Canada, which supply much of the U.S. fruit and vegetable inventory, have been especially affected.
For many families in New Jersey, these changes have meant adjusting menus and meal planning around what’s affordable week to week — a shift that could persist as inflationary pressures show little sign of easing.
