How prices for staple grocery items have fluctuated in Canada so far this year

The price of groceries in Canada remains a source of concern for many households, as the cost of daily essentials continues to strain budgets.

The rising price of groceries is a very real worry for many shoppers in Canada, according to a new report by PwC stating that 76 per cent of Canadians worry about the rising cost of food — much higher than the global average of 59 per cent.

And Canadians are worried for good reason, as prices constantly fluctuate.

Grocery giant Loblaw recently published its July food inflation report, which states that food prices in June rose by 2.8 per cent compared to last year. It's a slower pace than the 3.3 per cent increase seen in May, but still higher than the headline inflation rate of 1.9 per cent.

And, in addition to inflation, the tumultuous U.S.-Canada trade war continues to loom over shoppers' wallets.

Using Statistics Canada's Average Retail Food Prices Data Visualization Tool, we examined how the price of groceries has changed over six months. The tool provides insight into price trends from January to June, which is the most recent month with available data. While most products increased in price, surprisingly, prices dropped slightly for some others.

Here's a list of grocery items you'll find at your local supermarket and how their prices have changed over time in Canada.

Shrimp, 300 g

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January: $7.39
June: $7.68

Tomatoes, 1 kg

January: $6.64
June: $4.48

Oranges, 1.36 kg

January: $5.27
June: $5.92

Ketchup, 1 litre

January: $4.82
June: $4.65

Orange juice, 2 L

January: $5.62
June: $5.95

Yogurt, 500 g

January: $3.50
June: $3.67

Cream, 1 L

 

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January: $4.61
June: $4.73

Margarine, 907 grams

January: $7.37
June: $7.26

Peanut butter, 1 kg

January: $5.95
June: $6.12

Mayonnaise, 890 ml

January: $6.42
June: $6.26

Salad dressing, 475 ml

January: $3.33
June: $3.25

Tea (20 bags)

January: $4.38
June: $4.42

Sugar, 2 kg

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January: $3.31
June: $2.90

Pasta sauce, 650 ml

January: $3.24
June: $3.32

Dry or fresh pasta, 500 g

January: $3.04
June: $3.24

Cereal, 400 g

January: $4.13
June: $4.18

Canned baked beans, 398 ml

January: $1.84
June: $1.96

Canned beans and lentils, 540 ml

January: $1.64
June: $1.64

Canned soup, 284 ml

January: $1.21
June: $1.52