Higher prices at the store are affecting the pocketbooks of people across an array of backgrounds.

Adrian Matti, founder of Marcus Market said rising cost have changed the way customers shop. While maintaining a stable customer base, Matti says they’ve seen a slight decrease in sales. Matti said more customers are swiping the credit card and opting for the generic brands as opposed to their name brand counterparts.

“For example Jiff peanut butter, it could be like a generic peanut butter next to it and there’ll be like 50 cents difference. They’ll go for the generic.”

For his business, however, fuel surcharges pose the biggest challenge. Despite the increased cost to do business, Matti has said the store has been able to maintain their product selection and availability.

Across town in southwest Detroit, Honeybee Market has found itself dealing with similar challenges. In addition with fuel surcharges, Honey bee also is battling supply chain and sourcing issues.

Tammy Alfaro Koehler, owner of Honeybee Market said certain products have been more difficult to obtain. Pointing to crop losses in Mexico that have affected the availability of jalapeños and tomatillos. While shortages may not be noticeable right away it could take months for the impacts to reach store shelves.

Koehler also mentioned that shortages can create difficulties not only for grocery stores but also for people who rely on consistent access to ingredients for their work such as restaurants that source their produce from stores like Honeybee Market and small business owners as well.

Shifting the business model 

Angela Davis, a recipe developer, digital content creator, and freelance chef who goes by Thekitchenista on Instagram said both items not being available and cost have affected her business.

Davis has scaled back some services, and eliminated others like her  pop-up events due to uncertainty around cost and customer turnout.

“Actually, I just eliminated popups right now. I was doing popups through the winter, and it got too expensive because it is a lot of guesswork, not knowing what foot traffic will be like for events where you can’t sell tickets.”

To adapt, Davis has looked at what ways she can maximize the ingredients she purchases. One strategy that has proven beneficial is buying whole ducks. By buying the whole duck, she’s supplied with multiple parts allowing for many different dishes at a lower price point thus reducing waste.

Careful spending and creative solutions

As food prices continue to affect households and businesses, flexibility is becoming increasingly important.

Retailers, food professionals and consumers alike are finding ways to adapt to rising costs.

A survey of consumers revealed several strategies being used to stretch their grocery budgets. Participants noted finding themselves at the store less often all the way to the types of stores they shop at, with a majority saying they have changed what stores they visit.

One respondent mentioned comparing prices between big box retailers and smaller local businesses for the best quality and value. Cross shopping between various stores, cutting back on snacks and novelty items, and preparation methods have all been areas consumers mentioned where they’ve made changes.

“We’re buying less meat like chicken and turkey, since prices for those have skyrocketed. And switched to buying more canned and dry goods that are more rich in protein. We’ve also stopped trying new brands for things like snacks out of fear we’d waste money on something we end up not liking.” one respondent said. 

Another shopper shared that they were buying family-sized packs in order to prepare meals and make it last 2-3 days depending on the household size. Others brought up buying less juice and coffee creamer. 

Another participant noted going to farmer markets to source produce. “The produce is often fresher, locally grown, and cheaper. It might be easier than you think to cook a meal you love if you get creative.”

While there’s no one single solution to rising food costs, many are finding that with careful planning, reducing waste, and remaining flexible, one’s budget can go a little bit further.