For this to be true, you'd have to imagine the investment as at least 1 year, wouldn't you agree? So probably several years? And you'd have to purchase goods that would last that long.
The reason I say that, is that you can still find 3% FDIC insured savings and money market accounts (look at your local Credit Unions). For me to get a better return on canned pears and chicken stock, we'd need real consumer price inflation > 3%. If you take a look at the consumer price index and remove energy costs, it's been quite some time since we've experienced 3% annual inflation. (Removing energy costs is the key here).
Now.. if you hold it for 3 years, it would probably be a no brainer. As long as you don't mind actually eating what you bought over those years -- eg no 40 cases of Peanut Butter!
I think the issue is not only inflation, but the price fluctuations that happen all the time, that are much bigger. If one day, at the supermarket, you see toilet paper in a two for one offer, and you buy a whole year of supply, you'll be saving 50% over the year. I think the goal is not playing against inflation but to play against the stock issues of supermarkets (if you have a way to have the stock locally).
The reason I say that, is that you can still find 3% FDIC insured savings and money market accounts (look at your local Credit Unions). For me to get a better return on canned pears and chicken stock, we'd need real consumer price inflation > 3%. If you take a look at the consumer price index and remove energy costs, it's been quite some time since we've experienced 3% annual inflation. (Removing energy costs is the key here).
Now.. if you hold it for 3 years, it would probably be a no brainer. As long as you don't mind actually eating what you bought over those years -- eg no 40 cases of Peanut Butter!