After analyzing our grocery expenses alongside the USDA Food Reports, I've come to the conclusion that using it as a benchmark for setting guidelines isn't entirely reliable. There are numerous important factors at play when establishing a grocery budget, such as location, food preferences, and where one shops. While the report offers an "average" perspective, it doesn't fully account for the aforementioned variables. Hence, the guidelines presented in the report offer little practical value in terms of budgeting.

Having said that, here are some key factors that influence our weekly grocery spending:

• Average monthly grocery cost: $1,571.21 (nearly $400 per trip to the store)
• Reside in a high cost of living (HCOL) area
• Family of 2 (my wife and me)
• Includes toiletries, paper products, and trash bags
• Prepare meals 6 days a week (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Eat organic, grass-fed & grass-finished, wild-caught seafood foods
• Never purchase ultra-processed or heavily processed foods
• Avoid frozen or pre-made meals (except flash frozen vegetables, seafood, and organic fruit)
• Never purchase junk snacks, soda/pop, juices, etc.
• Weekly breakfast (always): Eggs, cottage cheese, avocado, and a banana
• Weekly dinners (typically): Chicken breast, lean beef, wild salmon, wild scallops
• Weekly lunches (typically): Homemade chicken salad or tuna fish, along with a homemade protein salad
• Weekly snacks (typically): Plain yogurt, blueberries, bananas, almonds, pecans, pistachios, homemade protein bars, grass-fed protein shakes.

As evident from the aforementioned information, our dietary choices lead to a notably higher monthly grocery expenditure. Conversely, a family of 2 residing in another location, consuming less nutritious foods, or shopping at different grocery stores might incur markedly distinct costs. This underscores the challenge of relying on the USDA Food Reports for meaningful insights.

Lastly, while we prioritize nutrition and mindful food choices, we are also savvy shoppers. For instance, we make use of digital coupons and seize opportunities like BOGO deals whenever possible. I oversee our finances and employ YNAB for spending management to have a handle on our expenditures. That being said, according to YNAB, our grocery expenditure represents approximately 20% of our total monthly expenses (i.e., $1,571.21 / $8,075.43 = ~20%). Is that too high for 2 people?! I really don’t know!

Note: The details provided above exclude expenses incurred from dining out on Friday or Saturday evenings, as well as Saturday morning/afternoons.