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 March. 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 47 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced basket for March was $17.70.
The lowest priced market basket was found at Plaza Extra’s Frederiksted location at a cost of $158.23. Plaza Extra’s Christiansted location came in second with a market basket cost of $162.42. Coming in third was Pueblo’s La Reine location at a market basket cost of $170.74. Closing out the survey in fourth place was Pueblo’s Golden Rock location at a cost of $175.93.
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 48 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced basket for March was $45.99.
The lowest priced family market basket was found at Plaza Extra with a cost of $158.04. Pueblo’s Sub Base and Long Bay locations came in second and third respectively. Pueblo Sub Base had a market basket cost of $185.24, while Pueblo’s Long Bay location had a market basket cost of $189.89. Food Center came in fourth with a food basket cost of $204.03.
St. John — On St. John three stores were surveyed: Dolphin Market, Starfish Market, and Pine Peace Mini Mart. A total of 39 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced food basket for March was $12.15.
The lowest priced market basket was found at Pine Peace Mini Mart at a cost of $146.71. Dolphin Market came in second with a market basket cost of $149.83. Coming in third was Starfish Market with a market basket cost of $158.86.
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.
