What Kevin’s Groceries Would Cost Today If He Were Still “Home Alone”

Remember that iconic grocery scene from "Home Alone" where little Kevin McCallister, left to fend for himself, confidently strolls into the store and buys a bunch of groceries for just $19.83?
Ah, the 90s.
A TikTok user recently did the math, and if Kevin were making that same shopping trip today, he'd be shelling out about $68!
Watch The Grocery Store Scene From Home Alone
Let's take a nostalgic walk down the grocery aisle and see exactly what Kevin bought with his $20 bill (thanks to a handy $1 off coupon for Tropicana orange juice, of course) and how much those items would set him back in today’s economy.
Kevin's Grocery List
Here's what our resourceful hero grabbed:
- TV dinner
- Loaf of Wonder Bread
- Frozen mac and cheese
- Pack of saran wrap (he bought two!)
- Half gallon of milk
- Tide laundry detergent
- Toilet paper
- Half gallon of orange juice
- Pack of army men
- Dryer sheets
Total in 1990: $19.83. Total today: $68.83 (that's a whopping $93.21 Canadian dollars)!
The Grocery Breakdown
In 1990, Kevin hands a $20 bill to Sally, the store clerk (played by Tracy J. Connor), and walks away with a pretty substantial haul.
Fast forward to 2023, and it’s a whole different story. Thanks to inflation and rising grocery prices, the cost of these everyday items has skyrocketed.
Just for fun, here’s a quick comparison of what some of these items might cost today:
- TV dinner: $4.50
- Loaf of Wonder Bread: $3.00
- Frozen mac and cheese: $5.00
- Pack of saran wrap: $3.50 each
- Half gallon of milk: $2.50
- Tide laundry detergent: $15.00
- Toilet paper: $6.00
- Half gallon of orange juice: $4.00
- Pack of army men: $10.00
- Dryer sheets: $5.50
It’s no wonder $19.83 seems like a distant dream!
A Star is Born
On a fun note, did you hear that Macaulay Culkin, the actor who brought Kevin to life, recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
The ceremony was made even more special with the support of his "Home Alone" mom, Catherine O'Hara, who was there to cheer him on. Talk about a full-circle moment!
The Bottom Line
Kevin’s iconic grocery store trip is a perfect snapshot of how much times have changed. While it’s fun to reminisce about the good old days of bargain grocery prices, it’s clear that living costs have surged significantly.
Next time you're shopping and feel the pinch, just remember—Kevin McCallister would be feeling it too!
What do you think about today’s grocery prices? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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