Food prices are up again: See how Rochester grocery costs compare

Food costs edged up 0.3% in May, according to a report issued June 11 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Overall, food prices are 2.9% higher than they were a year ago. And food-at-home (grocery) prices are 3.8% higher, the bureau reported.

The Democrat and Chronicle has been keeping tabs on the prices of a selection of staple items from four area stores. Below are the prices we checked on June 17.

Compared with our check last week, they either held steady or were down slightly.

Note: The full prices — not the ones you get with loyalty cards — are listed. If you use a store’s loyalty card, you may pay less for these products. Also, ALDI does not sell the popular Modelo Especial Beer brand, so we’ve included a comparable option in our ALDI tally.

Prices of eggs (per dozen)

ALDI (Goldhen Grade A Large): $2.69

Walmart (Great Value Grade A Large): $2.72

Wegmans (Wegmans brand Grade AA large): $3.19

Tops (Tops brand Grade AA large): $3.49

Prices of milk (per gallon)

ALDI (Friendly Farms, 2%): $2.67

Walmart: (Great Value, all varieties): $2.72

Wegmans (Wegmans brand, all varieties): $2.99

Tops (Tops brand, all varieties): $3.99

Prices of giant white bread (per loaf)

ALDI (L’oven Fresh brand): $1.39

Wegmans (Wegmans brand): $1.39

Walmart (Great Value brand): $1.42

Tops (Tops brand): $1.79

Prices of bananas (per pound)

ALDI: 52 cents

Wegmans: 53 cents

Walmart: 54 cents

Tops: 59 cents

Prices of avocados

ALDI: 79 cents apiece

Walmart: 88 cents apiece

Wegmans: 99 cents apiece

Tops: $2.49 apiece

Prices of ice cream (1.5 quarts)

ALDI (Sundae Shoppe): $2.95

Walmart (Great Value brand): $2.97

Wegmans (Wegmans brand): $3.99

Tops: $4.29

Prices of sugar (in 4-lb. bags)

ALDI (Baker’s Corner): $3.29

Walmart (Great Value brand): $3.46

Wegmans (Wegmans brand): $3.59

Tops (Tops brand): $3.99

Prices of ground beef (1 lb. of 80% lean)

ALDI: $4.69

Wegmans: $5.99

Tops: $5.99

Walmart: $6.53

Prices of beer (six-pack)

ALDI (Holland 1839): $7.99

Walmart (Modelo Especial): $10.31

Wegmans (Modelo Especial): $10.99

Tops (Modelo Especial): $11.49

Emily Barnes on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at [email protected].

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to [email protected]. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.