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Consumers rethink grocery habits as food prices remain stubbornly high

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Plan meals around weekly sales and what you already have at home

• Compare unit prices instead of relying on sticker price alone

• Avoid shopping while hungry to reduce impulse purchases

Food prices were already elevated to start with, but the effects of conflict in the Middle East will likely push them even higher. Savvy grocery shoppers have already begun to change how they shop, becoming more strategic, disciplined, and resourceful in the aisles.

Changing what you buy can make a difference. Consumer experts say small behavioral changes can lead to meaningful savings over time. But going shopping without a plan can be a big mistake. Behavioral scientist Kieva Hranchuk, PhD, says it can lerad to what she calls decision fatigue.

By the time shoppers reach the checkout line, they have often already made dozens of decisions throughout the store, Hranchuk told Real Simple.

Start with a plan

Meal planning has emerged as one of the most effective ways to control spending. By reviewing store circulars and building meals around discounted items, shoppers can reduce waste and stretch ingredients across multiple dishes. For example, a discounted rotisserie chicken can be used for several meals instead of just one.

Another key strategy is paying attention to unit pricingthe cost per ounce, pound, or other measurementrather than the overall price tag. Larger packages are not always the better deal, and store brands frequently offer the same quality as name brands at a lower cost.

Technology is also playing a growing role. Many grocery chains now offer digital coupons, loyalty rewards, and app-based discounts that can significantly reduce totals at checkout. Still, experts caution that deals should only be used for items already on a shoppers list.

Avoid crowds

Timing can also make a difference. Shopping earlier in the week or during off-peak hours can help consumers avoid crowds and make more deliberate choices. Some stores also discount perishable items like meat and bakery goods at certain times of day.

Finally, shoppers are increasingly turning to simpler habitslike eating before heading to the storeto curb unnecessary purchases. Studies have shown that hunger can lead to higher spending and less healthy choices.

Offerings include an Under $3 menu

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• McDonalds will launch a new Under $3 Menu with at least 10 items available all day.

• A $4 breakfast meal deal bundles a sandwich, hash browns and coffee.

• The changes expand the companys McValue platform as it pushes affordability nationwide.

With food costs and everything else rising, expect fast food restaurants to step up the competition for the value-oriented consumer. Its already started.

McDonalds is expanding its value offerings with a new Under $3 Menu and a $4 breakfast meal deal, part of a broader effort to attract price-conscious consumers and build on its McValue platform.

The fast-food giant said the updated menu will roll out at participating U.S. locations starting April 21, trying to entice customers with more low-cost options across breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Under $3 menu

The centerpiece of the announcement is the new Under $3 Menu, which will include at least 10 items available throughout the day, allowing customers to mix and match items at a consistent low price.

Breakfast options willinclude staples such as the Sausage McMuffin, Sausage Biscuit, Sausage Burrito, hash browns and medium McCaf coffee. Lunch and dinner items will feature the McChicken, McDouble, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries and a medium soft drink.

In addition, McDonalds plans to spotlight select items at even lower promotional prices throughout the year, starting with a Sausage McMuffin priced at $1.50 and a McDouble at $2.50 for a limited time.

$4 breakfast meal deal

Alongside the new menu, the company is introducing a $4 breakfast meal deal that includes a choice of a Sausage McMuffin or Sausage Biscuit, served with hash browns and a small McCaf coffee.

McDonalds will also continue offering other bundled meal deals later in the day, including options starting at $5 and $6 that combine an entre with McNuggets, fries and a drink.

Company executives said the initiative is designed to give customers more flexibility and control over how they build meals, while reinforcing the brands long-standing focus on value.

The move comes as fast-food chains across the industry emphasize affordability amid consumer concerns about rising prices, with McDonalds positioning the revamped McValue menu as a long-term strategy rather than a limited-time promotion.

Motorists shouldnt expect immediate relief

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Oil prices have fallen sharply since the ceasefire, but gasoline prices remain elevated and are unlikely to drop quickly.

• The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is partial and uncertain, limiting immediate supply relief.

• Analysts expect volatile but gradually easing prices over the next several weeksif the ceasefire holds.

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran -- and the conditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz -- has eased immediate fears in global energy markets. Oil prices dropped by roughly 1314% following the announcement, reflecting expectations that one of the worlds most critical oil transit routes will resume operations.

But the short-term outlook for gasoline prices tells a more complicated story: relief at the pump is likely to lag, and may be modest at best.

The war, with the interruption of oil from the Persian Gulf, has sent the average U.S. gas price well past $4 a gallon. But much of the damage will not be quickly undone, analysts caution.

That said, Patrick DeHaan, head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy, sees some slow relief at the pump. In a post on X Tuesday night, DeHaan said gas prices could start falling by a few cents a day in the next 48 hours.

Diesel prices may lag slightly- but where things stand now, diesel is NO longer likely to reach a record, he wrote. National average gasoline could fall below $4 in ~1-2 weeks, diesel >$5 in 6-8 weeks.

Shipping companies remain cautious

Even with the ceasefire in place, oil flows through the Strait of Hormuznormally responsible for about 20% of global oil shipmentsare not returning to normal overnight.

Shipping companies remain cautious about reentering the region, and some may require explicit security assurances before resuming operations.

At the same time, major Persian Gulf producers cut output significantly during the conflict, meaning supply chains must be rebuilt before markets stabilize.

As a result, the reopening is expected to be gradual and controlled, rather than a full restoration of pre-war flows.

Why gas prices arent falling yet

Despite falling crude prices, retail gasoline prices remain near multi-year highs. U.S. averages are hovering around $4.14 per gallonthe highest level since 2022.

There are several reasons for the delay:

• Lag effect: It typically takes weeks for lower crude costs to filter through refining, distribution, and retail pricing.

• Tight inventories: The conflict caused a severe drawdown in global oil and fuel supplies.

• Ongoing risk premium: Markets are still pricing in the possibility that the ceasefire could collapse.

Officials and analysts warn consumers not to expect immediate relief. Even in countries seeing improved supply outlooks, fuel prices have continued to rise in the short term.

You cant rule out volatility

Economists largely agree that gasoline prices may begin to ease later this springbut only if the ceasefire holds and shipping through Hormuz steadily increases.

Key factors to watch include:

• Durability of the ceasefire: A breakdown could quickly reverse recent oil price declines.

• Shipping confidence: Full tanker traffic is essential to restoring supply.

• Production recovery: OPEC and Gulf producers must ramp output back up.

In the near term, the most likely scenario is continued volatility with a slight downward trend. Prices may have already peaked or could hover near current levels before gradually declining over the coming weeks.

When booking a flight, dont just consider the fare

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Several major U.S. airlines have raised checked baggage fees in recent months, citing higher operating costs driven by rising jet fuel prices.

• The increases affect both domestic and international routes, with some fees climbing by $5 to $15 per bag.

• Industry analysts say the move reflects broader cost pressures across aviation, though consumer advocates warn of growing frustration among travelers.

U.S. airlines are once again increasing checked baggage fees, pointing to surging jet fuel prices as a key factor behind the latest round of price hikes. The changes, which have rolled out across several major carriers, are expected to affect millions of travelers heading into the busy summer and fall travel seasons.

United Airlines said the cost of the first checked bag is going up to $45 if passengers prepay. The fee is $50 if they pay within 24 hours oftheir flight.

"United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members,and customers traveling in premium cabins can still check a bag for free," the airline said in a statement.

Fuel expenses have risen sharply

Airline executives say the increases are necessary to offset escalating fuel expenses, which remain one of the industrys largest and most volatile costs. Jet fuel prices have risen significantly over the past year due to a combination of geopolitical tensions, supply constraints, and fluctuating global oil markets.

The move underscores a broader trend in the airline industry toward unbundling services charging separately for amenities that were once included in ticket prices. Checked baggage fees alone generate billions of dollars annually for U.S. carriers, making them a critical revenue stream.

However, the increases are drawing criticism from consumer advocates, who argue that travelers are already facing higher ticket prices and additional fees across the board. Some warn that continued hikes could erode customer loyalty, particularly as budget-conscious passengers look for ways to cut travel expenses.

Why airlines charge for checked bags

So, why dont airlines just raise the ticket price to include the cost of checking bags? Chalk it up to competition.

Studies have shown that consumers are extremely price-sensitive when booking a flight. A fare difference as small as $2 will cause them to choose a different carrier.

That means it is very important to know what an airline charges for checked bags when booking a flight. A cheap fare might not be so cheap if youre checking a couple of bags. Consider strategies such as packing lighter or using airline-branded credit cards that may waive baggage fees.