It doesn’t take an expert economist to notice that everything seems to be getting more expensive. From gas to electricity to rent, Americans can barely catch a break from increasing expenses. As we hurtle towards 2017, it looks like prices at the grocery store are going to tick upward as well, Mental Floss reports.
According to a report by the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS), analysts predict costs to go up in a few major categories over the course of 2017. While the price increases in some cases may only be 1 or 2 percent, in the long run, those differences can really add up. Here are the main products to be mindful of this upcoming year.
Beef
Although beef and veal prices were 7.7 percent lower this past July than they were at the same time last year, ERS researchers expect prices to bounce back with a 2 to 3 percent increase in 2017. Declining American beef exports, greater supply, and weaker demand have all contributed to lower beef prices (thanks, #MeatlessMonday!) Starting in 2017, however, analysts expect other countries to increase demand for U.S. beef, causing an overall spike in prices.
Poultry
It seems 2017 is going to be a tough year for meat eaters. While chicken prices have followed a trend similar to beef’s, the ERS expects the cost of poultry to jump by 1.5 to 2.5 percent this coming year. That’s an average increase of 6 cents per pound, according to Mental Floss.
Eggs
Although retail egg prices took a big hit over the summer, dropping 29 percent below July 2015 averages, chicken eggs are one of the most volatile grocery items on the market. Seasonal demand typically dictates price fluctuations, and with a recent HPAI outbreak calming down among U.S. flocks, the ERS forecasts a price increase of 1 to 2 percent by next year.
Dairy
Moving on in the animal products category, dairy prices could experience an increase of 1.5 to 2.5 percent next year. Dairy prices have been lower this year thanks to expanded cattle grazing, but you can expect that to change as dairy imports decline and the market stabilizes.
Fats And Oils
Pack in all the peanut butter you can before the year ends because by next year, guys: prices are expected to go up by 1.5 to 2.5 percent.
Fruit
It’ll be a little trickier to quench your appetite for fresh fruit this upcoming winter season as the ERS expects prices to surpass this year’s steep prices by another 1 to 2 percent in 2017.
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This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.