Have you ever wondered how much your grocery bill would have been in 1950? Prices have changed so much over the decades, influenced by inflation, production costs, and shifts in demand. This trip down memory lane might be a bigger shock than you think. Everyone loves these staples in their home and although new variations and brands have been added, the basics have always been the same.
Coffee
In 1950, a pound of coffee cost around $0.27; by 2020, that same pound of coffee averaged around $1.11, depending on the brand and quality. Since 1950, so many different variations of coffee has been added and those prices can differ drastically.
Milk
In 1950, a gallon of milk cost around $0.83, and by 2020, that price had risen to an average of $3.32, though it fluctuated depending on factors like location, brand, and whether it was organic or conventional. Milk has always been a staple in homes over the years even though the price has gone up, it’s still pretty affordable.
Bread
In 1950, a loaf of bread cost around $0.12, and by 2020, the average price had risen to $1.45, though premium and specialty bread could cost even more. Many shoppers opted for whole grain, organic, or artisanal varieties over standard white bread, which also greatly influenced the price.
Eggs
In 1950, a dozen eggs cost about $0.60, and by 2020, that price had increased to an average of $1.50, depending on factors like brand, organic certification, and free-range versus conventional farming. Suppliers and the sizes of eggs can also influence the price per dozen.
Bacon
In 1950, a pound of bacon cost around $0.52, and by 2020, that price had skyrocketed to an average of $5.58 per pound, with premium and specialty varieties costing even more.
Mushrooms
In 1950, a pound of mushrooms cost around $0.49, and by 2020, that price had gone up to around $3.80. Mushrooms weren’t as common as today but quickly became very popular.
Sugar
In 1950, sugar was incredibly affordable, with a pound costing around $0.40. By 2020, that price had risen to about $0.59 per pound. Sugar has always been a staple in most households and will likely last for many years.
Cheese
In 1950, a pound of cheese cost around $0.52, and by 2020, that price had climbed to an average of $5.32 per pound, with artisanal, organic, and specialty cheeses sometimes reaching even higher prices.
Butter
In 1950, butter was priced at around $0.73 per pound, and by 2020, the price had risen to an average of $3.54 per pound, with higher-end or organic varieties pushing the cost even further.
References:
How Much Grocery Store Items Cost In 1950 Vs. 2020
Food Prices in the 1950s
