The shocking prices of food in the Hamptons have been revealed, with shoppers paying $20 for two tomatoes and nearly $30 for a can of guacamole.
With the holiday season in full swing, the billionaire’s enclave known for its sandy beaches and high-end shopping is filling up with tourists from nearby New York City.
Rising food prices are already affecting the entire country, but even the area’s well-heeled customers are being surprised by the exorbitant prices.
Tita Royek, a content creator who is currently documenting her 100th day in the Hamptons, told The Wall Street Journal that she paid $20 for two tomatoes.
The 27-year-old said she was shocked by her purchase but even more shocked to discover it wasn’t even locally sourced.
The 27-year-old said she was shocked by her purchase, but even more shocked when she found out they weren’t locally grown, one of the tomatoes pictured here.
“I was pretty shocked when I paid $20 for two tomatoes, and even more shocked when I found out they weren’t even locally grown,” she told the outlet.
Food prices in the area have become a hot topic on social media in recent years, due in part to the large number of influencers flocking to the region.
This has led to criticism of exorbitant food prices, including $29 for guacamole and $35 for chicken tenders with chipotle mayo.
TikTok page “Jack’s Dining Room,” a food review page, visited a Round Swamp Farm location last year.
As part of the review, the host sampled the $42 grilled shrimp, the $32 chips and guacamole, the aforementioned $35 Tenderloins and mayonnaise, and a bag of granola for $25.
While sampling the chicken tenders, he adds amusedly, “It’s not worth it. The Chipotle mayonnaise is good, but it’s $16 and I can’t even fit a Jersey Mike’s jockstrap in it.”
The market told the WSJ that prices in its stores have increased 30% to 50% since 2020.
Tuna salad began selling for $34.99 per pound, according to a price list last month.
The host sampled the $25 granola as part of the review, while the tuna salad sold for $34.99 a pound, according to a price list from last month.
A two-quart bag of strawberries sold for $29.98 and a bag of cookies sold for $11.99.
Employee Brian Niggles told the Journal that he pays high wages for high-quality ingredients and labor, adding that he doesn’t charge credit card fees or tips.
“We are incredibly fortunate that our customers see value in what we offer and continue to support our business and the families who depend on it for their livelihood,” Niggles said.
Meanwhile, TV personality, author and business owner Barbara Kabovit said on TikTok that she spent $600 on groceries across two stores in May.
In the video, she can be heard saying, “Just when you thought prices couldn’t get any higher in the Hamptons, lo and behold, they are.”
Harry Ludlow, owner of Fairview Farms in Mecox, Bridgehampton, told the Journal that minimum wage and other state-mandated costs have driven up prices.
“The cost of ingredients is small compared to the cost of a private chef,” Mr Ludlow said. “If you cut the price of a pie by 50 per cent and the quality by 10 per cent, your customers would be outraged – they are foodies.”
Food prices in the area have become a hot topic on social media in recent years, due in part to the high number of influencers flocking to the area. The same market told the WSJ that in-store prices have risen 30% to 50% since 2020.
Some people visit the area for the food, but others are more interested in the ambiance and beauty of what they buy.
The store points to Carisa’s Bakery’s $8.50 kimchi cheddar croissant, which comes in a box so nice it could pass for a handbag.
Jenna Mick, 23, a consultant from New York, bought six croissants and two bags of Swedish candy for herself and a friend for $56.
She told the outlet that the group was looking for a “Hamptons experience,” which influenced the purchase.
In 2021, locals had begun complaining about rising prices in the area as an influx of new residents began to drive up costs.
Locals claim that the recent wave of wealthy residents is “ruining the Hamptons,” citing rising housing, food, and transportation costs.
“There’s so much money out there now it makes me sick. I’m part of the richest one percent, but I look nothing like these people,” one woman who bought a home in Amagansett in 1991 told Vanity Fair.
“Everyone who has money is here. If I wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be here now. Conspicuous consumption is terrible.”
