At this point, just about everyone’s had that moment in the store, standing in front of something ridiculously basic, like eggs or detergent, and thinking, “Wait, it costs how much now?” Prices have been climbing for what feels like forever, and Americans have officially had enough.
For example, the USDA notes that from 2020 to 2024, food prices rose 23.6%, outpacing overall inflation. Consumers are scrutinizing their regular buys, weighing which stay in the cart and which no longer merit the price.
With inflation sticking around longer than anyone hoped, many once-routine buys are becoming rare treats or being cut off entirely. These 17 everyday items are quietly (or loudly) being ditched by Americans who are determined to keep their budgets from blowing up.
Bottled Water
Not so long ago, grabbing a case of bottled water was just a no-brainer. These days, plenty of shoppers are turning down the notion of paying for a product that gushes from their tap.
As prices continue to climb and sustainability concerns intensify, reusable bottles and filters are experiencing a significant resurgence. In 2024, Americans spent approximately $49.9 billion on bottled water. Wow, right? For lots of shoppers, the numbers no longer add up.
Premium Pet Food
We adore our furry buddies, but gourmet pet food that includes truffle oil and wild boar is now falling out of favor. With inflation affecting everything from gasoline to pet food, more owners are opting for affordable but nutritious options. Your dog may not notice any change, but your wallet sure will.
Name-Brand Cereal
These days, cereal aisles are looking a little quieter, especially around those big, colorful boxes with cartoon mascots. Prices for cereals and cereal products are 25.78% higher in 2025 versus 2018 (a $5.16 difference in value).
Consumers are turning to private labels or forgoing cereal altogether. And let’s be honest, paying that much for something mainly made of air and sugar?
It’s not a budget-friendly victory by any means. Often, generic brands deliver a flavor that’s virtually identical (and, at times, even a bit better). Making the switch is a small effort that yields significant savings.
Scented Candles
Yes, a high-end candle can transform your home into a spa-like oasis, but when it rings in at $15–$30, most shoppers are quick to pass. These days, Americans are reaching for fewer candles and turning to more budget-conscious ambiance options, such as essential oil diffusers or even stovetop potpourri.
High-end scented candles are moving more slowly now, as they are being held back by inflation’s squeeze on household budgets. Even though “midnight vanilla” smells heavenly, trimming your budget does, too.
Fancy Coffee Creamers
Once upon a time, that bougie oat milk caramel swirl creamer was your daily delight. But now? It’s starting to feel a little extra. As prices soar and packages shrink (to keep pace with “shrinkflation”), shoppers are either reverting to basics or mixing their own blends at home.
Purchasing a 16-ounce bottle can cost you up to $5, and that price tag adds up quickly if you are among the 66% of Americans who drink coffee daily. Once funds are pinched, even the morning cup gets simplified.
Frozen Appetizers
We had a blast with the bits of quiche and jalapeño popper boxes at first, but they’ve become an easy bypass on our grocery run. Prices keep climbing, packaged portions keep shrinking, and, let’s face it, they seldom live up to the enticing photos on the box.
More shoppers are coming to recognize that homemade options tend to be more flavorful, less expensive, and healthier. You also don’t have to wait 20 minutes for the oven to preheat. Win-win.
Paper Towels
Once an everyday staple, paper towels are gradually becoming a luxury item. When multi-packs surpass $20, many shoppers opt for reusable cloth rags or microfiber towels instead.
The issue is more than money; it’s about getting more use for less waste. Statista highlights that about 321.9 million Americans used paper towels in 2020, a number that was projected to reach 331.2 million by 2024. Now you can all skip one more refill and the inflated cost that goes with it.
Brand-Name Cleaning Supplies
Americans are wiping out the cost of cleaning. Since generic labels and homemade formulas perform just as effectively, shoppers are growing less devoted to the high-profile sprays and wipes.
TikTok hacks and vinegar-baking soda combos have fueled a shift toward homemade cleaners. When a brand-name bottle costs $6 and the generic is sold for $2, the choice becomes clear. Clean is clean; nobody cares what label it carries.
Pre-Cut Fruits and Veggies
Before, convenience ruled the day, but these days, consumers are wondering if paying twice is truly worth the effort of skipping the chopping. For example, precut onions can cost about $4.65 per pound compared to $0.99 for whole onions, that’s up to 392% more, CBS News notes.
To many, reverting to doing things themselves is all about regaining control and saving money. Plus, uncut produce usually stays fresh in the fridge for longer. A bit of knife work goes quite far.
Shaved Deli Meat
Sliced turkey or ham has become downright expensive. Per-pound prices have soared, and many shoppers consider it hard to justify for just a handful of sandwiches. Some people are opting for rotisserie chickens or making meat at home instead.
There has been a marked uptick in deli meat prices over the past two years. A sandwich may still slap, but the budget sure does, too.
Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes, from meal kits and clothing to those random monthly surprises, are seeing their subscribers walking away. What once seemed like a treat now appears as an unexpected charge on your statement.
As of 2024, the average American consumer spent around $118 per month on subscription services, including boxes, streaming, apps, and more. That’s up 60% from 2023, as statistics show.
Consumers are opting for flexibility and committing their money solely to the items they truly need. Surprise! That money certainly looks better in a savings account.
Designer Toiletries
A $12 body wash and an $8 toothpaste? Yeah, those are now beginning to feel like luxuries. An increasing number of shoppers are turning to simple drugstore labels or versatile multi-purpose items to make their dollars go further.
Once you realize it all goes down the drain, in the end, the three-dollar option suddenly looks pretty appealing. Self-care is still important, just maybe without the fancy packaging.
Soft Drinks and Sodas
I can’t be the only one who misses the good old days when soda was cheap. Nowadays, a 12-pack can easily climb past $8, prompting many Americans to ditch the bubbly sugar for simple water or a homemade cuppa tea.
Soda consumption in the United States has been steadily falling, and inflation is lending it an extra push. In 2024, Americans consumed about 42.4 gallons of soda per person, down from 49.3 gallons in 2000, a 14% drop. Bonus: Skipping soda helps both your budget and your health.
Energy Drinks
Yes, they deliver a punch, but they sure come with a price, too. Energy drinks have seen a significant price hike, and some cans now cost more than $3 each.
Numerous shoppers are scaling back or opting for more affordable caffeine alternatives, such as coffee or green tea. Additionally, the satisfying rush is almost immediately followed by a crash that spoils the whole buzz.
And honestly, sometimes all we need is a good nap instead of wings.
Packaged Baked Goods
Adorable little muffins, cookies, and pastries look so enticing… until you notice the price. As inflation bites into baked goods, countless households are taking to home baking or giving up sweets altogether.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bakery product prices in the U.S. rose by approximately 10.5% year-over-year. Twelve cookies should not set you back as much as a full meal. As a result, more shoppers are passing them by and leaving them on the shelf.
Salon Hair Products
The swirly bottle with the French name and the $28 price? It’s being consigned to history safely. Many Americans are turning to drugstore options that feature similar formulas without the salon price hike. Some people are even turning to homemade hair care with pantry staples like coconut oil and apple cider vinegar.
As inflation compels shoppers to cut back, total sales of premium haircare products have fallen. Great hair is certainly nice, but greater savings? Even nicer.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Brand loyalty is fading fast. Consumers are trading pricey brands, whether it’s cereal or shampoo, for value-priced rivals that deliver the same results, save for the added markup.
- Convenience is losing the cost battle. Though pre-cut fruit, subscription boxes, and frozen appetizers sound convenient, the price tag is bringing DIY back into vogue.
- Shoppers are prioritizing versatility. As shoppers tighten their belts, multi-use products, reusable towels, and homemade cleaners are enjoying a resurgence.
- Health and budget goals are aligning. Limiting soda and energy drinks, along with other packaged sweets, can lighten your wallet and also deliver healthier results for your body.
- Indulgences are getting redefined. Although scented candles, salon haircare, and gourmet pet food may still evoke joy, many consumers no longer feel compelled to purchase them.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
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12 Everyday Grocery Store Favorites Now Pack Banned Additives
Let me paint a picture. I was standing in the cereal aisle, scanning the shelves for my childhood favorite—those colorful little rings bursting with artificial fruit flavor. I hadn’t bought them in years, but nostalgia hit hard. Then I noticed something new on the label: “Now with no artificial dyes.”
12 Everyday Grocery Store Favorites Now Pack Banned Additives
