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 February. 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.

On St. Croix four stores were surveyed: Pueblo Golden Rock and La Reine, and Plaza Extra stores in Christiansted and Frederiksted. A total of 18 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced basket for February was $5.

The lowest priced market basket was found at Plaza Extra’s Frederiksted location at a cost of $54.92. Pueblo’s La Reine location came in second with a market basket cost of $57.12. Coming in third, just .60 cents behind its counterpart location was Pueblo’s Golden Rock location with a market basket cost of $57.72. Closing out the survey in fourth place was Plaza Extra’s Christiansted location with a market basket cost of $59.92.

Some items making up the market basket for St. Croix include: cereal, fruits, vegetables, coffee, milk, beef steak, smoked herring (fish) and pigeon peas.

On St. Thomas four stores were surveyed: Plaza Extra, Food Center, and Pueblo supermarkets in Long Bay and Sub Base. A total of 40 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced basket for February was $19.

The lowest priced family market basket was found at Plaza Extra at a cost of $147. Pueblo’s Long Bay and Sub Base locations came in second and third respectively with market basket costs of $152.50 (Long Bay), and $155.70 (Sub Base). Thirty-five of the 40 items surveyed at the two Pueblo stores reflected identical pricing. Food Center came in fourth with a food basket cost of $166.

Some items making up the market basket for St. Thomas include: Cream of Wheat, lasagna, corn meal, macaroni and cheese, rice, bread, sugar, salmon, king fish, cube beef steak, vegetables, fruits, orange juice, soda, water, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, baby food, peanut butter and bleach.

On St. John three stores were surveyed: Dolphin Market, Starfish Market and Pine Peace Mini Mart. A total of 28 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced food basket for February was $5.94.

The lowest priced market basket was found at Pine Peace Mini Mart at a cost of $82.02. Dolphin Market came in second with a market basket cost of $85.38. Coming in third was Starfish Market with a market basket cost of $88.14.

Some items making up the market basket for St. John include: macaroni and cheese, bread, flour, sugar, vegetables, fruits, soda, milk, eggs, butter, tomato sauce, peanut butter and dish liquid.

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.