The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs is notifying the public of its latest market basket survey findings, which was completed during the last week of July. The market basket survey is comprised of items from the traditional food basket in addition to household and hygienic items. The number of items compared on each island varies as a result of comparison guidelines which require that products are identical in order to produce a valid survey.
St. Croix On St. Croix four stores were surveyed: Pueblo Golden Rock and La Reine, and Plaza Extra stores in Christiansted and Frederiksted. A total of 24 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced basket for July was $13.51.
The lowest priced market basket was found at Plaza Extra’s Christiansted location at a cost of $54.69. Plaza Extra’s Frederiksted location came in second with a market basket cost of $56.28. Pueblo’s La Reine location came in third with a market basket cost of $61.92. Closing out the survey in fourth place was Pueblo’s Golden Rock location at a market basket cost of $68.20.
Some items making up the market basket for St. Croix include: cereal, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, fruits, milk, chicken wings, green beans and seasoning.
St. Thomas On St. Thomas four stores were surveyed: Plaza Extra, Food Center, and Pueblo supermarkets in Long Bay and Sub Base. A total of 34 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced basket for July was $19.14.
The lowest priced family market basket was found at Plaza Extra at a cost of $118.32. Pueblo’s Long Bay and Sub Base locations came in second and third respectively. Pueblo Long Bay had a market basket cost of $125.32, while Pueblo’s Sub Base location had a market basket cost of $127.76. Of the 34 items surveyed, 30 items had identical prices at the two Pueblo stores. Food Center came in fourth with a food basket cost of $137.46.
Some items making up the market basket for St. Thomas include: cereal, macaroni and cheese, rice, bread, sugar, king fish, steak, pork chops, vegetables, fruits, orange juice, soda, water, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, baby food and bleach.
St. John On St. John three stores were surveyed: Dolphin Market, Starfish Market, and Pine Peace Mini Mart. A total of 36 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced food basket for May was $13.77.
The lowest priced market basket was found at Starfish Market at a cost of $116.00. Pine Peace Mini Mart came in second with a market basket cost of $128.64. Coming in third was Starfish Market with a market basket cost of $129.77.
Consumers are reminded to shop wisely and compare food prices to make the best economic choices. DLCA’s market basket survey compares brand name products to ensure accurate comparisons. However consumers are encouraged to try store brands and other generic named goods. It is worth checking out alternatives to the priciest products. Buying items that are not nationally advertised but that are identical or at least close enough can save a lot of money.
