Grocery prices are up because of good old-fashioned corporate price gouging,” Warren said. “And they can gouge consumers on prices because there’s only a small number of companies controlling every level of the food chain."

To get the most out of grocery store trips, experts say it’s best to have a strategy.

“It’s a good opportunity to create smart shopping habits,” Bodge said.

Where possible, consumers can shift their purchasing habits — to eat at home rather than dine out, or buy chicken instead of beef — to limit the effects of rising costs, Hamrick said.

“There is a range of opportunities to make choices and to substitute at lower prices and to get better value,” Hamrick said.