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How much did Kevin's Groceries cost?

Published in Movie Memorabilia 2 mins read

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.