Kevin McCallister's groceries in the classic film Home Alone cost $20.
This iconic grocery haul from the beloved 1990 movie is a notable detail, showcasing young Kevin's attempt at independence while left home alone during the holidays. His shopping list, which he paid for with a $20 bill, included essential items for a self-sufficient eight-year-old.
Kevin's Essential Grocery List
During his memorable trip to the supermarket, Kevin carefully selected a variety of items to stock his temporary bachelor pad. The $20 bill he presented covered these specific purchases:
- Dairy Products:
- One gallon of milk
- One half-gallon of orange juice
- Meal Items:
- One box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
- One Lean Cuisine frozen dinner
- Snacks & Novelties:
- A pack of plastic army men (for strategic planning, perhaps?)
- Hostess Apple Pies
- Household Item:
- A box of Tide laundry detergent (demonstrating a surprisingly mature understanding of chores!)
The exact total of $20 for this assortment of goods has become a well-known piece of movie trivia.
The Value of $20: Then vs. Now
While Kevin's grocery bill was precisely $20 in the early 1990s, the economic landscape has shifted considerably since then. Due to inflation, the same basket of groceries would cost a significantly higher amount in today's economy. For instance, purchasing an equivalent selection of items in 2024 would require substantially more than $20, highlighting the change in purchasing power over more than three decades.
This simple $20 transaction serves as a charming historical snapshot of everyday costs from the era when Home Alone was filmed.