If it seems like every grocery trip is costing more and the quantity of food that comes home is getting smaller, that impression might be accurate. The cost of grocery staples is so high that it has increased by more than three or four times the rate of general inflation, according to new data from Statistics Canada.
The latest StatCan Monthly Average Retail Prices for Selected Products data was released July 5 and details rising prices, with dramatic inflation for some items, like basic groceries, since last year. The data allows date comparisons, such as year over year, or even by the month.
For example, Canadian households who buy grapes are paying 34 percent more than they were paying in October 2022, with prices going from a low of $5.28 per kilogram to $10.14 per kilogram. Grapes are at the highest prices they have been in over a year, with the cost of $6.64 per kilogram this month last year.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said the latest Consumer Price Index report, which is based on the averages of costs for hundreds of goods from food, to shoes, to mortgages, was “good news for Canadians,” according to Blacklock’s Reporter on July 6.
“Inflation in Canada is down to 3.4 percent, the lowest rate in nearly two years,” Ms. Freeland posted on Twitter June 27. “This is good news for Canadians and good news for the Canadian economy!”
The data was released around the same time the government issued a “grocery rebate,” a one-time extra payment to lower-earning households that normally receive the GST credit, at a taxpayer cost of $2.4 billion, according to a May 4 cost estimate by the Parliamentary Budget Office.
Basic items like ground beef have gone from $10.64 per kilogram this time last year, to $11.23 per kilogram this month, a 5 percent increase. For those who like fish, salmon has gone from $26.75 per kilogram in July 2022, to $29.09 per kilogram in July 2023, an 8 percent increase.
Margarine was priced at $6.56 per 907 grams last year at this time, but expect to pay more if buying the product this month, with an almost 14 percent increase to $7.46. Butter has also suffered from inflation, going from $4.97 for a one-pound block in September 2022, to $6.42 per pound in July 2023, a 22 percent increase.
Romaine lettuce has seen a price increase from $2 per head in July 2022, to now $3.54 per head in July 2023, a 77 percent increase.
Olive oil has also seen a jump, from $8.68 per litre last year, to now $11.96 per litre, the highest price in 12 months and a 38 percent increase.
“The data source is scanner data obtained directly from Canadian retailers,” indicated StatsCan, stating the price report is intended to reflect true costs of “items commonly purchased by Canadian consumers,” with price increases reflecting the national averages.
“Transaction data provide a comprehensive electronic record of transactions made through a retailer’s point of sale system and contain relevant pricing information,” said StatsCan.
Article cross-posted from our premium news partners at The Epoch Times.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.