CHICAGO (WLS) — At a South Loop grocery store, customers experience sticker shock and frustration.

“Whether it’s organic or conventional, the price remains exorbitant. It’s as though you’re parting with your essence to afford groceries,” expressed shopper Tria Hutson.

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Hutson, of Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, says regardless of the store, prices continue to rise.

“We have sweet butters that used to be around $1.99, now they’re $3.29,” explained Hutson. “Eggs have gotten cheaper, but everything else has become more expensive. It’s disheartening.”

Hutson isn’t the only one feeling the pinch. A recent poll from the Associated Press and National Opinion Research Center reveals that a significant majority of adults, at least 86%, view grocery costs as a significant or minor source of stress, with only 14% reporting no stress from it.

“A loaf of bread costs us $4, and it looks like it’s getting smaller,” said shopper Esther Ordonez.

They say coupons do not help much.

In the past year, the latest Consumer Price Index data shows the cost of groceries are up nearly 2.5%.

But since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, groceries are up 28%.

Though inflation has moderated since 2022, prices have not pulled back.

“Although prices have risen by 2.5% to 3% over the past year, which might not seem much, it’s on top of an already high baseline, and that’s what people are experiencing,” stated Ted Rossman, Senior Industry Analyst at Bankrate.

Rossman says supply chain issues have eased, but prices have largely risen because of the cost of labor and raw materials.

“Costs have increased across the board. As workers, we appreciate higher wages, but as consumers, we don’t enjoy paying more for goods,” Rossman added.

Rossman notes that currently, the impact of tariffs has been mitigated as companies have absorbed much of the additional cost, but this could shift in the near future.