Prices for more than 1600 food + drink items set to increase this month

If you've been feeling the pinch of grocery prices going up, you're not alone, with NHK reporting yesterday that the price of over 1600 food and drink items are set to increase this month. It marks the second consecutive month of price hikes, which are primarily being driven by the weak yen, higher import costs, and increased domestic production and logistics expenses.

The article from NHK also noted that processed foods (including frozen food and noodles), condiments, and confectionery items are particularly affected, making up the bulk of the price increases. The trend is expected to continue through until the middle of the year, potentially affecting 15,000 to 20,000 items. Not ideal!

Obviously based on the info, there are some things you can do to try and keep costs under control, like shopping local, avoiding processed food and opting for fresh items, and limiting purchasing imported goods. 

Shopping at our local farmer's market is one way we try to keep costs reasonable.