I was chatting with someone recently about the cost of food both here and in other countries. It was interesting when I lived in Germany to see some of my favorite American products priced as expensive "imports" over there. A pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream that might be less than $5 here, sold for 12 Euros in Germany. And you know I paid it. Gotta have my Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey banana ice cream!

My friend shared the cost of a meal that was considered costly in their location, but was absurdly cheap here. So I decided to make a trip to the mother of all retail stores: Walmart, and take you all with me.

As I walked through the aisles, I snapped some photos of items that I regularly buy (and a few I don't). This will give people living in other countries a birds-eye-view of just what we pay for some common grocery items. So come along with me as I take a trip to Walmart!

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It may not look it from this picture, but the place was packed. Not long after I took this, it was almost as if they let a prison out or something.

I'm a Pepsi guy, and these things used to be under $2, but with inflation, the cost of everything has gone up.

The produce section which I avoid like the plague because it contains actual healthy stuff, looks to have changed as well. I have no idea if these prices are considered high, as I only buy organic bananas and steer clear of anything else.

Things are improving now with some of my favorite ice cream. I love Breyers Strawberry. But I have to tell you the truth. If I'm ever on death row and about to be dispatched, I'm asking for some Haagen Dazs Chocolate ice cream to go along with my last meal. That stuff's like a little slice of heaven right here on Earth!

Breakfast Anyone?

I love pancakes, but they've got to be topped off with just the right syrup. Mrs. Butterworth’s gets the nod as the only syrup I pour over a thick pile of pancakes. I can smell them already!

Not to be outdone are my meat bowls. You have the generic kind, and the much tastier (and more expensive) Jimmy Dean brand. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

These are still considered cheap to me, having gone up about 30 cents since the war in Europe drove the price of everything up. I still buy them.

My grandmother is from the south, so you gotta have your grits! With butter please, as I've heard some cavemen-types actually pour grave on the stuff. YUCK! Margerine or butter only for me. We top it off with some Pop Tarts fresh from the toaster. They make the whole house smell good!

Cereal, An American Tradition

I spend a lot of time in this section, and pickup about a dozen boxes of the good stuff. Kelloggs Frosted Flakes leads the bunch, with a couple others bringing up the rear.

I'm guessing cereal might be an American thing, as I never saw any Germans having any.

I consider these mega sizes to be cheap, as you get more value for your money. Do you think these are expensive?

You have not truly lived until you've had Fruity Pebbles. They leave a wonderful aftertaste.

How this bitter, vile cereal ever became #1 in America, I'll never know. But Cheerios are the top choice. They're even priced higher than the other mega boxes due to their exalted status. Yuck!

As a sometimes broke college student, I've been known to down these when needed. They used to be around 35 cents, but have gone up as well.

The canned-goods section has been hit hard lately. I've even seen people fighting over them! Just last year, these were all 88 cents. They're now $1.25, but they still get snatched up!

Looks like we're getting a little break from the crowds. I never forget to pick up some distilled water, as it's all that I drink. These also jumped up from 88 cents.

My grandmother had rusty water when I was growing up, so we got used to drinking bottled water.

Now WVe're Getting To The Meaty Part

If it has to be cooked I usually don't buy it preferring takeout instead. However, the price of bologna has crept up just a little, so still presents a good value.

While the bologna may be cheap, I consider the Hillshire Farm turkey breast to be on the expensive side. I usually pick up a pack or two of the Buddig slices to snack on as I leave. 80 cents is cheap.

At less than $3 a lb, The chicken seems cheap to me as well. I wouldn't know because I'm not about to be bothered cooking any, and instead get it as "takeaway" (as they say in England).

Ball Park Beef Franks are another matter entirely. They're around $5 a pack and worth every penny. I love hot dogs and these are simply the best!

Bringing Up The Rear

Nothing touches my backside except Scott Toilet Paper. I don't care what it costs, I won't even consider another brand as they are the best. They're up about 50 cents from a year ago.

And since we're in the spooky season, I had to include what seem to be affoardable prices for pumpkin. Both the mini size and the large ones are on sale at Walmart.

Many of these will be carved into designs to sit in windows and on front porches for Halloween on October 31st. The rest will be gobbled up in the form of some tasty pumpkin pie.

And there you have it. A little snapshot of some of the typical grocery prices to be found right here in the good old USA. Seeing the current how the current inflation and economic crisis are affecting all of us. I'm curious how do these prices compare to what you pay in your country? Please share and I hope we all make it through this and come out safe and sound on the other side. :)