The Most Expensive Fruit At The Grocery Store Might Surprise You
As you browse the produce aisle at your local grocery store chain, you may notice the prices seem a little over the top. Whatever happened to apples for less than $1 per pound? And yes, there are certain items, like melons and berries, that we all expect to come at a premium. However, it's actually the canned fruit you have to be mindful of — especially if you're shopping on a budget. In 2022, the USDA reported that canned cherries are the most expensive fruit at the grocery store. That's right, it's canned fruit, not fresh, that will cost you the most.
Whether the cherries are packed in syrup or water, they'll cost the equivalent of $3.56 per cup. Compare that to watermelon, which comes in at just $0.24 by the same measurement. As for vegetables, frozen asparagus is going to cost you the most, at about $2.62 per cup, while fresh asparagus has a price equivalent of $2.37 per cup. You might be surprised to hear that canned and frozen fruits and veggies are more expensive than the fresh stuff. So, why is this the case?
Why is there a price difference between fresh and frozen produce?
Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy and rich in nutrients, but canned and frozen options aren't without their benefits. They have increased longevity, giving consumers the ability to buy produce out of season and keep it much longer than their fresh counterparts. Another major reason that a can of cherries is so expensive at the grocery store is that a lot goes into preparing the product for the shelf. For instance, cherries require pitting, and doing this on a large scale isn't easy. Frozen fruits and veggies are similar insofar as they require more processing to get them ready for market. This, combined with the convenience of having out-of-season options on hand anytime, adds value to items such as canned cherries and frozen asparagus.
When you choose to skip some of the more expensive fruits at the store, you're putting your health at risk. Keep in mind, you can always select alternatives, like dried cranberries, figs, or plums, which may have a lower per-cup price. This ensures you don't neglect your health and maintain a healthy diet rich in the daily nutrients you need.