While inflation is reportedly cooling, Americans are still feeling the impact of higher prices, especially on essential goods like groceries. TikTok creator @sewerlidd captured the brutal reality of rising costs when he stumbled upon his grocery list from two years ago on the Walmart app. Back then, he paid $126 for the 45 items in his cart. Curious, he checked what it would cost today and was floored by a new total: $414.39—a staggering increase that, in his words, made him feel “sick to the stomach.”
Grocery Prices Out of Control
In the viral video, now with nearly 2 million views, @sewerlidd starts off by saying, “I think I am gonna be sick.” He explains that he found his old 45-item “groceries” shopping list from 2021, with a price of just $126. But upon seeing the reorder option, he couldn’t resist checking what the total would be if he bought those same items today. The answer? A nearly 400% increase. “That’s four times more. How? Like? What?” he says in disbelief, summing up a sentiment shared by many Americans facing the same shock at the grocery store.
Viewers React with Similar Stories
The comment section showed that @sewerlidd isn’t alone in this struggle. User @justaw0rm shared, “I used to spend $180 for 2 weeks for my family of four and the dog. I am now spending upwards of $430 and trying to figure out what else I can cut. Sorry kids, you don’t get barbecue sauce.” Another user, @smb1005, recounted finding an old receipt with a 12-pack of Coke Zero priced at $4.25—a stark contrast to the current price of $7.84 for the same item on Walmart’s website.
Global Frustration Over Price Hikes
Commenters from around the world joined the conversation, echoing the frustration with rising grocery costs. One Australian user, @landdownunder60, wrote, “It’s the same in Australia—nothing more than corporate greed as our supermarket chains make billions in profits.” The struggle isn’t just an American problem; people everywhere are feeling the pinch from record-breaking price hikes.
Shrinkflation Adds Insult to Injury
As some viewers pointed out, shrinkflation has become another issue. User @mycupsizeisstanley commented, “I bet the items are also smaller now (less oz, fewer items inside, etc),” suggesting that even as prices rise, the amount of product isn’t what it used to be. @sewerlidd agreed, noting that “all the packaging feels looser and everything feels smaller.”
How Much Have Grocery Prices Actually Increased?
A report by GoBankingRates analyzed food price trends since November 2020, finding an overall increase of 25.8%. Specific categories, like eggs, dairy, cereals, and baked goods, saw the steepest rises. While the TikTok creator’s experience might seem extreme, the data confirms that large jumps in prices are a reality for many, depending on the items.
Americans may be spending hundreds more on the same “groceries”essentials they bought just a few years ago, with no relief in sight.