Food Costs in the 1960s

Meats

Meat in the '60s was much less expensive than in modern times. The comparison of which meats were more expensive, however, was quite similar. Chicken and ground beef were among the most economical, with chicken costing $.29 per pound and ground beef costing $.45 per pound. Pork products were just a bit more, with smoked hams costing $.49 per pound and kielbasa and pork chops at $.59 per pound. Beef prices ranged, with beef chuck roasts at $.49 per pound, sirloin steaks at $.89 per pound and Porterhouse steaks cost at $1.19 per pound.

Many common U.S. fruits were more expensive than vegetables in the '60s. Apples cost $.49 per pound, while asparagus cost just $.19 per pound. Other fruits ranged widely: bananas cost an average of around $.15 per pound; grapes cost $.14 per pound; watermelon cost just $.02 cents per pound; and oranges cost $.89 per pound. Basic veggies such as corn cost $.25 for six ears and carrots cost $.29 for four pounds. Green peppers cost $.05 each and iceberg lettuce cost $.25 per head. Onions cost $.29 for two pounds and potatoes cost $.39 for 10 pounds.

While bread costs have risen since the '60s, they haven't risen by several dollars like some meats, produce and dairy items have. A loaf of white bread cost an average of $.20 and wheat cost around $.25, while a 5 lb. bag of flour cost $.49. Eggs cost an average $.49 per dozen, butter cost around $.65 per pound and margarine cost $.31 per pound. Cheese cost around $.40 per pound, while processed cheese cost that much for an 8 oz. package. Store-bought ice cream cost around $.80 per half gallon.

People began eating more pre-packaged food in the '60s. Frozen dinners cost $.39 and frozen chicken pot pies cost $.29. Soup cost $.89 for six cans and cereal cost around $.30 a box. Baby food cost $.25 for three cans and Jello cost $.35 for four packages. Ketchup cost $.22 a bottle and mayonnaise cost around $.50 per jar. Peanut butter cost around $.80 per jar and sugar cost $.38 per 5 lb. bag. A pack of chewing gum cost $.05 and a fast food hamburger cost $.20.