The figures are cause for concern: 81% of food categories are currently inflationary, according to the specialized institute NielsenIQ France.

From cereals to oil to paper towel, prices are soaring on all sides under the effect of the international context.

Purchasing power therefore stands out as the number 1 concern of the French, even if it means putting aside the desire to eat healthily and responsibly.

But if the reflex is to run to discount brands, it is not necessarily the most judicious.

Because fans of local consumption can just as easily control the cost of their basket by eating better.

Say goodbye to received ideas!

“The way organic stores and local products started to launch a few years ago led to the idea that these were confidential practices, explains Ruth Cernes, leader of FlipNpik, a mobile app that promotes small businesses. .

The prices were necessarily higher at the start, faced with a niche market.

But thanks to the democratization of offers and the rise in demand, prices have fallen significantly.

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Bulk orders allow costs to be optimized and the final price to be reduced.

By opting for these short circuits, the idea is also to avoid intermediary commissions which increase the bill and penalize the producers.

Exit again the costs related to the transport of the goods.

Likewise, eating local means eating in season, which usually costs less and makes a difference in taste and nutrition.

Adapt your consumption

Obviously, quality has a price, and this is not to suggest that local consumption is necessarily less expensive.

However, at the time of the shopping baskets witnesses which are used to show the extent of inflation, we must remain cautious in the interpretations since not everything increases in the same proportions.

"You have to know your consumption habits in order to create your own reference basket, and then make price comparisons accordingly," advises Ruth Cernes.

Rather than panicking about skyrocketing prices, you might find that the local market gardener selling fruit and vegetables in your area has prices similar to, or even lower than, those on the supermarket shelves filled with products from Spain or Italy, since it is less impacted by the international context.

Be a consum'actor

To reconcile economic, ecological and health imperatives, however, there is no miracle: you have to be proactive.

It is a question of systematically comparing prices, but also quality, and not hesitating to mix and match your purchases.

Indeed, the single perfect answer does not exist.

On the other hand, consumers have an interest in mixing solutions to win on all fronts.

For example, you can favor seasonal fruits and vegetables sold at low cost by the cooperative near you, limit your meat consumption by taking advantage of your butcher's promotions from time to time, while using a supermarket for some everyday products that remain cheaper than their local equivalent.

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A network of good plans

Between markets, cooperatives, AMAP, points of resale of regional products, small specialized shops, local boxes and producers who give access to their fields, you now have the embarrassment of choice to favor foodstuffs produced less than 200 km away. from home, while controlling prices.

The trick is then to use the ecosystems of locavores to find good deals and build your own address book to optimize your shopping.

You can count on the local groups set up on social networks, mobile applications such as FlipNpik, Yes We Green, La Ruche qui dit Oui or Distri, but also on interactive maps dedicated to short circuits, like the one offered by the UFC association on Quechoisir.org.

  • Consumption

  • Inflation

  • purchasing power

  • Economy

  • Food

  • Race