No matter your Middle Class Income bracket, Inflation is real.
The Following is based on pricing “near me” from our actual expenditures
(yes, one of my “hobbies” is Kitchen Table Economic Spreadsheets)

*ALDI prices often vary from area to area – Although ALDI has the lowest “mark up” among stores that do not offer “In-Store Pricing” – the above is based on delivery by Instacart I compared these with the same items in other states. Prices were similar

P.S. The Beef for Carne Asada or Carne Picada is excellent for use in Taco, Fajitas, Italian Beef, Chili, and pretty much anyplace you would use either ground or sliced beef – just change up the seasoning blends. AND… For someone with hand grip/arthritis issues, it is worth the extra few cents per pound

Today’s lesson is Kitchen Table either Politics or Economics Or, as it happens, my personal lesson in Ingredient Sticker Shock.
Drogheria & Alimentari Organic Tuscan Herb Seasoning is such a product.

People who cook from scratch, but do take advantage of a good “blend” Everything
including the UPC Code seems to be the same.

Exactly one year ago, I ordered a “year supply” (2 bags) and the price was $10.10 each ($1.48 per ounce)
Today that same product (everything including the UPC Code is the same) is “offered” at $16.98 ($2.50 per ounce)

On a more positive note (and one those who know me may find interesting) This blend is a favorite because (a) it does not contain salt and (b) this is sort of shocking – unlike most “Italian” seasoning mixes – does not contain garlic.

The ingredients: Organic Herbs (Marjoram, Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Savory, Oregano, Sage) are an excellent base for more nuanced mixes like a Greek/Mediterranean, Italian and a long list of other with the addition of one or two more flavors.
TIPLET: Based on average “useage” I only keep enough for two weeks “on the counter” and the remainder is “on the freezer door”

What is your favorite – “why didn’t I think of this sooner” for food preservation: Mine is something I started as an experiment in my 20’s for “lunch box food”

Everyone knows about freezing everything from herbs to eggs to bits of left over meats in an ice cube tray for later use. And most have likely heard about using muffin trays then transferring to a zipper bag or air tight container.

And that does work EXCEPT sometimes the cubes still stick together.

I find the inexpensive cupcake/muffin papers in both sizes – filled no more than 3/4 but mostly 2/3 – when the food is frozen, just fold over the edges before placing in the bag – no more chunks/cubes stuck together

Useful for those who are:

Delivery Dependent or

Do Not Eat What Can’t Identify or even

just Curious

https://smartlabel.org/https://smartlabel.org/product-search/

If I ruled the universe and clearly I Do NOT !
Instead of “No Sugar Added” a comprehensive line of
“No Sweetener Added” would exist.

But then I am the one who enjoys Lemons and Limes
(as in a past life before medication conflicts)
grapefruit with adding sugar.
Just peel & eat when in season