The rising cost of commodities is being passed on to consumers.

According to Internetbits, McDonalds had been determined to keep its prices stable. 

However, the rising cost of corn, wheat, and other commodities has driven this popular fast-food chain to raise the cost of menu items by as much as 3%.

Bloomberg reports that these rising costs are also taking a toll on General Mills, maker of cereals like Cheerios and Wheaties and baking products like Pillsbury and Bisquick baking mix.

An increase in the cost of these products will go into effect starting November 15th. It is expected that more large food companies will be raising their prices in the near future as well.

Fortunately, consumers have the option of making healthier, more affordable foods in their own kitchen using their favorite recipes to shrink their wallet that can help shrink their waistline too. 

For example, a McDonald’s Egg McMuffin costs $3.00 and has 12 grams of fat and 300 calories, while a similar sandwich made at home with 2% American cheese costs approximately 70 cents and has only 9 grams of fat and 250 calories. 

Making something like the iconic McMuffin at home also gives you the opportunity to use a whole wheat english muffin and control the amount of added sodium such as in RecipeLand.com's Kicked Up Breakfast Sandwich recipe. Recent research has shown the substituting whole grain for refined grain products helps lower body fat, reduces risk of diabetes and heart disease. 

Preparing recipes at home, instead of reaching for convenience items, is the best way for consumers to save money and make healthy choices.