Have you noticed your grocery bill creeping up lately? Get ready, because it’s about to get worse. With new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and other countries set to take effect soon, many everyday food items are going to cost more. The good news? You can beat these price hikes by stocking up now on certain foods. I’ve done the research on which items will be hit hardest and how to store them properly so you can save money without wasting food. Here’s what you need to know before your next shopping trip.
Meat and seafood prices will jump dramatically
Your favorite steaks and salmon fillets are about to get much more expensive. Canada supplies over half of the fresh red meat imported to the U.S., and they’re also a major source of our poultry and seafood. With new tariffs potentially adding 20-50% to the cost of these items, your BBQ plans might need a bigger budget. The freezer is your friend here—most meat and seafood can be frozen for months without losing quality.
To get the most from your meat stockpile, wrap items tightly in freezer paper or store them in airtight freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored meat and seafood can last 3-6 months in the freezer, and vacuum-sealed products even longer. When you find a good sale on chicken, beef, or fish, don’t just buy for this week—buy enough to last a couple of months. Remember to label everything with the date so you can use the oldest items first.
Imported cheese and dairy will cost more
That fancy cheese board is about to get pricier. Imported cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano from Italy are expected to see significant price increases. Even European butter brands like Kerrygold might soon cost more due to tariffs on EU imports. These items have relatively long shelf lives compared to other dairy products, making them perfect candidates for stocking up before prices rise.
Hard cheeses can last for months in your refrigerator if properly wrapped, and many can be frozen for even longer storage. For best results, cut cheese into smaller portions before freezing so you can thaw only what you need. Specialty cheeses are often on sale around holidays, so keep an eye out for deals and grab extras. Butter freezes beautifully and can last up to a year in the freezer—just wrap it well to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
Coffee beans will be more expensive
Morning coffee might soon take a bigger bite out of your budget. The U.S. relies heavily on imported coffee, with most beans coming from countries like Brazil. As global supply chains face pressure and new tariffs kick in, coffee prices are expected to climb. If you’re particular about your morning brew, now’s the time to stock up on your favorite beans or grounds.
Coffee stays freshest when stored in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Whole beans last longer than ground coffee, so consider buying beans and grinding them as needed. For maximum freshness, only buy what you’ll use within a few months. If you want to stock up for longer, coffee can be frozen in airtight containers for up to a year without significant quality loss. Just make sure to thaw the entire container before opening to prevent condensation from forming on the cold beans.
Nuts and nut products will see steep increases
Nuts make for healthy snacks and add flavor to many recipes, but they’re about to get a lot more expensive. While Vietnam is the largest exporter of nuts to the U.S., Mexico comes in second, supplying many varieties we use regularly. Cashews, pecans, macadamia nuts, and even ground nuts used in gluten-free products are likely to cost more as tariffs take effect. Their long shelf life makes them perfect for stocking up.
To keep nuts fresh longer, store unopened packages in airtight containers in your freezer. Nuts can stay fresh for up to a year when frozen, compared to just a few months at room temperature. Their high oil content makes them prone to going rancid if stored improperly, so proper storage is key. Watch for sales on larger packages at warehouse clubs or online retailers, where the per-pound price is often better than smaller grocery store packages.
Cooking oils might empty your wallet
That bottle of olive oil you use for everything is about to get more expensive. Imported cooking oils, including olive oil from the Mediterranean and avocado oil from Mexico, are expected to see significant price increases due to new tariffs. Since these are staples in many kitchens and have relatively long shelf lives, they’re worth stocking up on before prices rise. Plus, buying larger quantities often saves money per ounce, even before considering future price hikes.
For longest shelf life, store oils in a cool, dark place away from heat sources like your stove. Light and heat speed up oil degradation, so that clear bottle on your counter isn’t doing your oil any favors. Extra virgin olive oil typically stays good for about a year after opening, while regular olive oil can last up to two years. If you buy in bulk, consider transferring what you’ll use soon to a smaller container and storing the rest properly sealed to minimize exposure to air, which causes rancidity.
Canned goods will hit your budget
Your pantry staples are getting pricier too. Canned goods, including beans, tomatoes, and seafood, are likely to see price increases not just because of the food inside but because of the packaging materials. Metal used for cans is often imported and subject to tariffs. Since canned goods already have an impressively long shelf life, they’re perfect candidates for stocking up when you find good deals.
Most canned foods stay good for 2-5 years when stored in a cool, dry place. Canned beans and lentils are especially versatile and nutritious, making them smart items to have on hand. Don’t forget about canned tomatoes, which form the base of countless recipes. When stocking up, check for sales and consider store brands, which often contain identical products to name brands at lower prices. Remember to rotate your stock, using the oldest cans first.
Spices and seasonings will cost you more
Your spice rack is about to get more expensive to fill. Many common spices like cinnamon, ginger, and curry powder are imported from countries that may be affected by new tariffs. Since most spices are used in small quantities and have long shelf lives, they’re perfect for buying in bulk before prices rise. Plus, spices purchased in larger quantities from specialty stores often cost significantly less per ounce than those tiny bottles from the grocery store.
Whole spices last longer than ground ones, sometimes up to 4 years compared to 2-3 years for ground spices. Vanilla, with most of the world’s supply coming from Madagascar, is particularly vulnerable to price increases. Store spices in airtight containers away from heat, light, and moisture to maintain their potency. Consider investing in a small coffee grinder dedicated to spices so you can buy whole spices and grind them as needed for maximum flavor and freshness.
Wine and beer prices will bubble up
Your weekend wine or after-work beer might soon take a bigger bite from your budget. European wines, Mexican beers, and imported spirits are all expected to see price increases in the coming months due to tariffs. Unlike many food items, properly stored alcoholic beverages don’t go bad, making them perfect for stocking up when you find good deals. Many wines even improve with age, though that’s typically for higher-end bottles.
Wine should be stored on its side in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature. Most everyday wines stay good for 3-5 years, while some premium wines can age for decades. Beer doesn’t benefit from aging and is best stored upright in a cool, dark place. Check for sales at warehouse clubs, which often offer significant discounts on case purchases. Just be sure to only stock up on what you’ll actually consume—even the best deal isn’t saving money if it goes to waste.
Smart shopping now can save you serious money in the months ahead. Focus on stocking up on items you regularly use, storing them properly, and using them before they spoil. You don’t need a massive pantry or extra freezer to benefit—even setting aside a kitchen cabinet for extra non-perishables can help buffer your budget against the coming price increases. Your future self (and wallet) will thank you for planning ahead.
