You don't have to be a brain surgeon to notice that food prices are going up.

In a recent article, we outlined some specific food prices going up for the balance of the year.

Today we want to pre-warn you to be prepared for food prices to continue their increase in 2012.

Many food companies that have already raised prices this year and shrunk their products to offset higher raw materials cost are likely to continue that trend next year.

Frosts, droughts and floods have driven commodity prices higher THIS year... and those are all the raw materials to make NEXT year's consumer products. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that grocery store prices will rise from 3% to 4% next year.

We think that's conservative.

Food retailers have no choice but to continue to raise prices to restore their dwindling profit margins.

Consider on stocking up on some food essentials (cereal, coffee, etc.) during the second half of THIS year in anticipation of even higher prices next year.

For other money-savings tips, check out:

The Truth About What's Causing Rising Food Costs

7 Smart Ways to Save Money on Food as Costs Soar

Insider Tips to Save at the Grocery Store

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