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.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.