Shoppers cut back on their purchases as chips and cookies have become too pricey

1. Americans are cutting back on Doritos, Goldfish and Hostess cakes. It's not for their health, however – it's a sign that even small indulgences have gotten too expensive for many to afford. The slowdown is showing up on food giants' bottom lines. PepsiCo, Campbell and JM Smucker have reported weak sales of their snack brands in earnings announcements in recent weeks. Overall, salty snack purchases declined 0.3% during the 52 weeks ending on February 23, according to market research firm Circana. Cookies also dropped 0.3%. Have you been cutting back on buying packaged snacks?

2. Snack prices have gone up more rapidly than other store items. While grocery prices have increased 23% since February of 2021, prices for chips have increased 29%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Have you noticed chip prices have increased rapidly?