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Grocery Price Statistics 2026

US grocery prices rose 1.8 percent in the year to September 2026, slower than overall inflation of 3.7 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the USDA forecasts 2.3 percent food at home inflation for 2026. Beef is the main pressure point, with the USDA expecting an 8.7 percent rise in 2026, while egg prices are forecast to fall 29.3 percent. Americans spent 9.7 percent of disposable income on food in 2025, and the FAO Food Price Index stood 5.9 percent above its year-earlier level in October 2026.

Download CSV Cite this pageUpdated November 6, 2026 · 20 sources

1.8 percentUS food at home (grocery) prices rose 1.8 percent in the 12 months to September 2026.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2.3 percentThe USDA forecasts US food at home prices to rise 2.3 percent in 2026, with a range of 1.9 to 2.7 percent.USDA Economic Research Service
5.5%US consumers expected food prices to rise 5.5 percent over the next year, according to the median answer in the New York Fed's September 2026 survey.Federal Reserve Bank of New York
$2.27A dozen grade A large eggs cost an average of $2.27 in US cities in September 2026, down from $2.58 in January 2026.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
8.7 percentThe USDA forecasts US beef and veal prices to rise 8.7 percent in 2026.USDA Economic Research Service
9.7 percentUS consumers spent 9.7 percent of disposable personal income on food in 2025, down from 10.4 percent in 1997.USDA Economic Research Service
33.0 percentThe lowest-income fifth of US households spent $5,498 on food in 2024, equal to 33.0 percent of their before-tax income.USDA Economic Research Service
10%The World Bank expects food commodity prices to rise about 10 percent in 2026 and another 7 percent in 2027, a cumulative 18 percent.World Bank

This page tracks what groceries cost and how fast those prices are changing. It covers US food at home inflation and item prices from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index and Average Price Data, USDA Economic Research Service forecasts and food spending series, consumer expectations from the New York Fed, and grocery inflation in the UK, euro area, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and China from national statistics offices and the British Retail Consortium. Global commodity prices come from the FAO Food Price Index and the World Bank. Figures describe 2025 and 2026, with a few 2024 income breakdowns where that is the latest year published.

Grocery inflation in the United States has settled into a moderate range. The Bureau of Labor Statistics measured food at home prices 1.8 percent higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, against 3.7 percent for all items, as gasoline drove the headline rate. The USDA Economic Research Service expects grocery prices to rise 2.3 percent across 2026, the same as in 2025 and below the 20-year average of 2.6 percent. Restaurant prices are rising faster, up 3.5 percent, which keeps the gap between eating in and eating out wide.

The averages hide large swings in individual staples. BLS average prices put a dozen eggs at $2.27 in September 2026, after bird flu drove egg prices up 21.9 percent in 2025, and the USDA expects a 29.3 percent fall for 2026. Beef moves the other way: ground beef averaged $6.79 a pound, beef and veal rose 11.6 percent in 2025, and the USDA forecasts another 8.7 percent in 2026. Coffee at $9.33 a pound and cheddar at $6.13 a pound are also near their highs. Consumers sense the pressure, with the New York Fed survey showing a median expectation of 5.5 percent food inflation over the next year.

Food remains a modest share of US budgets on average but a heavy one for low-income families. The USDA counts $2.51 trillion of total food spending in 2025 and 9.7 percent of disposable income spent on food, while the lowest-income fifth of households spent the equivalent of 33.0 percent of before-tax income on food in 2024. The BLS Consumer Expenditure Surveys show food at 13.0 percent of average household spending in 2025, with spending on meats, poultry, fish and eggs up 11.7 percent.

Abroad, grocery inflation is mostly below headline inflation too. The ONS put UK food inflation at 1.3 percent in September 2026 and the British Retail Consortium saw shop food prices pick up to 2.9 percent in October. Euro area food, alcohol and tobacco inflation was 1.6 percent, Canada 1.7 percent, New Zealand 2.4 percent and Australia 3.2 percent, while China's food prices fell 1.7 percent. The risk is upstream: the FAO index is 5.9 percent higher than a year ago and the World Bank expects food commodity prices to rise about 10 percent in 2026 and 7 percent in 2027, which could reach shelves next year.

US grocery inflation in 2026

Grocery prices in the United States are rising more slowly than prices overall. The food at home index was up 1.8 percent in the year to September 2026, while the all items index rose 3.7 percent on the back of gasoline. Restaurant meals keep climbing faster than groceries, which is a long-running pattern driven by wages and rent. The USDA expects 2026 grocery inflation close to the 2025 pace and below the 20-year average. Consumers are less relaxed: the New York Fed's survey shows people expect food prices to rise 5.5 percent over the next year, well above what the official data currently show.

12-month change in US grocery prices by food group, September 2026

CPI-U, US city average, not seasonally adjusted, 12 months ending September 2026.

Nonalcoholic beverages3.8%
Fruits and vegetables3.7%
Cereals and bakery2.1%
All food at home1.8%
Meats, poultry, fish and eggs0.3%
Dairy-0.7%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index, September 2026

1.8 percent
US food at home (grocery) prices rose 1.8 percent in the 12 months to September 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
The food at home index rose 1.8 percent over the 12 months ending in September.
2.5 percent
All US food prices, including restaurants, were 2.5 percent higher in September 2026 than a year earlier.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
The food index increased 2.5 percent over the last year.
3.5 percent
US food away from home prices rose 3.5 percent in the year to September 2026, nearly twice the grocery rate.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
The food away from home index rose 3.5 percent over the last year.
3.7 percent
US prices for fruits and vegetables rose 3.7 percent in the year to September 2026, the fastest of the main grocery groups after nonalcoholic beverages.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
The index for fruits and vegetables increased 3.7 percent, and the index for other food at home rose 1.8 percent over the year.
0.7 percent
US dairy prices fell 0.7 percent in the 12 months to September 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
In contrast, the dairy and related products index fell 0.7 percent over the year.
2.3 percent
US food at home prices averaged 2.3 percent higher in 2025 than in 2024, below the 20-year average of 2.6 percent a year.
USDA Economic Research Service · Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Average annual food-at-home prices were 2.3 percent higher in 2025 than in 2024, less than the 20-year historical rate of 2.6 percent per year.
2.3 percent
The USDA forecasts US food at home prices to rise 2.3 percent in 2026, with a range of 1.9 to 2.7 percent.
USDA Economic Research Service · Food Price Outlook, Summary Findings (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
In 2026, food-at-home prices are forecast to increase 2.3 percent, with a forecast interval of 1.9 to 2.7 percent.
5.5%
US consumers expected food prices to rise 5.5 percent over the next year, according to the median answer in the New York Fed's September 2026 survey.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York · Short- and Medium-Term Inflation Expectations Increase; Labor Market Expectations Improve (Survey of Consumer Expectations, September 2026) (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Among commodities, median year-ahead expected price changes increased by 0.2 percentage point to 4.8% for gas, by 0.2 percentage point to 5.5% for food, and by 0.1 percentage point to 9.2% for medical care.

Prices of staple grocery items

Item prices tell a different story from the overall index. Eggs have fallen sharply since bird flu pushed them to records in early 2025, and the USDA expects egg prices to average almost 30 percent less in 2026. Beef is the opposite case: a smaller cattle herd keeps ground beef near $6.80 a pound and the USDA forecasts another large increase in 2026 after an 11.6 percent rise in 2025. Coffee is also far above its pre-2025 level. BLS average prices are city averages for a fixed item and size, so they can differ from what a given store charges. The Farm Bureau figure is an informal volunteer survey, useful as a seasonal benchmark rather than an official index.

Largest US grocery price increases in 2025

Change in annual average CPI, 2025 versus 2024, USDA ERS analysis of BLS data.

Eggs21.9%
Beef and veal11.6%
Sugar and sweets5.1%
Nonalcoholic beverages3.8%

Source: USDA Economic Research Service, Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending

$2.27
A dozen grade A large eggs cost an average of $2.27 in US cities in September 2026, down from $2.58 in January 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · CPI Average Price Data: Eggs, grade A, large, per dozen, U.S. city average (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
2026 2.577 2.500 2.348 2.250 2.191 2.141 2.189 2.272 2.272
$6.79
100 percent ground beef averaged $6.79 a pound in US cities in September 2026, after peaking at $6.92 in August.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · CPI Average Price Data: Ground beef, 100% beef, per lb., U.S. city average (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
2026 6.752 6.739 6.701 6.899 6.745 6.825 6.885 6.923 6.792
$9.33
Ground roast coffee averaged $9.33 a pound in US cities in September 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · CPI Average Price Data: Coffee, 100%, ground roast, all sizes, per lb., U.S. city average (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
2026 9.366 9.459 9.608 9.723 9.511 9.457 9.317 9.299 9.332
$6.13
Natural cheddar cheese averaged $6.13 a pound in US cities in September 2026, the highest monthly price of the year so far.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · CPI Average Price Data: Cheddar cheese, natural, per lb., U.S. city average (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
2026 5.982 5.987 5.970 6.029 5.685 5.960 5.741 5.983 6.133
21.9 percent
US retail egg prices were 21.9 percent higher on average in 2025 than in 2024, the largest increase of any grocery category.
USDA Economic Research Service · Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Retail egg prices fell steadily from April through December 2025 but, on average, were still 21.9 percent higher in 2025 than in 2024.
11.6 percent
US beef and veal prices rose 11.6 percent in 2025, the second-largest increase among grocery categories.
USDA Economic Research Service · Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
The second largest food price increase in 2025 was in beef and veal (11.6 percent), followed by sugar and sweets (5.1 percent), and nonalcoholic beverages (3.8 percent).
8.7 percent
The USDA forecasts US beef and veal prices to rise 8.7 percent in 2026.
USDA Economic Research Service · Food Price Outlook, Summary Findings (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Beef and veal prices are forecast to increase 8.7 percent in 2026, with a forecast interval of 7.4 to 10.1 percent.
29.3 percent
The USDA forecasts US egg prices to fall 29.3 percent in 2026 as flocks recover from avian influenza.
USDA Economic Research Service · Food Price Outlook, Summary Findings (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Egg prices are forecast to decrease 29.3 percent in 2026, with a forecast interval of -31.6 to -26.7 percent.
$55.18
A classic US Thanksgiving dinner for 10 cost $55.18 in the Farm Bureau's 2025 survey, about $5.52 per person and 5 percent less than in 2024.
American Farm Bureau Federation · Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines (Nov 2025)
Exact quote
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40 th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of Thanksgiving staples that make up a classic holiday feast for 10, which is $55.18 or about $5.52 per person.
$1.34
A 16-pound frozen turkey cost $1.34 a pound in the Farm Bureau's 2025 Thanksgiving survey, down more than 16 percent from 2024.
American Farm Bureau Federation · Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines (Nov 2025)
Exact quote
The average price for a 16-pound frozen turkey is $21.50. That is $1.34 per pound, down more than 16% from last year.

How much US households spend on food

Food takes a smaller share of income in the United States than almost anywhere else, but the average hides a wide gap. The USDA puts total food spending at $2.51 trillion in 2025, and grocery spending at $1.10 trillion, with Americans spending 9.7 percent of disposable income on food. For the lowest-income fifth of households, food spending equals a third of before-tax income, so grocery inflation hits them hardest. The BLS household survey shows food as the third-largest budget line after housing and transportation. Note that the USDA share uses disposable income for all consumers, while the quintile figures use before-tax income per household and refer to 2024.

US food spending as a share of before-tax income by income group, 2024

US households by income quintile, food at home and away from home, 2024.

33%

12.2%

6.4%

Lowest fifthMiddle fifthHighest fifth

Source: USDA Economic Research Service, Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending

$2.51 trillion
Total US food spending by consumers, businesses and government reached $2.51 trillion in 2025.
USDA Economic Research Service · Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
U.S. food spending by U.S. consumers, businesses, and Government entities reached $2.51 trillion in 2025 from an inflation-adjusted $1.56 trillion in 1997.
$1.10 trillion
US food at home spending reached $1.10 trillion in 2025.
USDA Economic Research Service · Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Food-at-home expenditures increased to $1.10 trillion in 2025 from $738 billion over the same period.
9.7 percent
US consumers spent 9.7 percent of disposable personal income on food in 2025, down from 10.4 percent in 1997.
USDA Economic Research Service · Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
In 2025, U.S. consumers spent an average of 9.7 percent of disposable personal incomes on food, down from 10.4 percent in 1997.
4.8 percent
Food at home took 4.8 percent of US disposable personal income in 2025, down from 6.1 percent in 1997.
USDA Economic Research Service · Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
The decline was driven by a lower share spent on food at home, which was 4.8 percent in 2025, down from 6.1 percent in 1997.
33.0 percent
The lowest-income fifth of US households spent $5,498 on food in 2024, equal to 33.0 percent of their before-tax income.
USDA Economic Research Service · Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
In 2024, households in the lowest income quintile spent an average of $5,498 on food (representing 33.0 percent of before-tax income).
6.4 percent
The highest-income fifth of US households spent $16,989 on food in 2024, only 6.4 percent of their before-tax income.
USDA Economic Research Service · Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
In 2024, U.S. households in the highest income quintile spent an average of $16,989 on food (representing 6.4 percent of before-tax income).
13.0 percent
Food was 13.0 percent of average US household spending in 2025, the third-largest share after housing and transportation.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Expenditures, 2025 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
The next largest shares of total expenditures were transportation (16.5 percent), food (13.0 percent), and personal insurance and pensions (12.4 percent).
4.6 percent
Average US household spending on food rose 4.6 percent in 2025, helped by an 11.7 percent jump in spending on meats, poultry, fish and eggs.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Expenditures, 2025 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
The 4.6-percent increase in the average annual expenditures on food is due in part to an 11.7-percent increase in expenditures on meats, poultry, fish, and eggs.

Food prices in the UK and the euro area

European food inflation has cooled well below headline inflation, which is being driven by energy. The ONS measured UK food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation at 1.3 percent in September 2026, while the British Retail Consortium's shop price data showed food inflation picking up to 2.9 percent in October, led by ambient groceries. In the euro area, Eurostat's flash estimate put food, alcohol and tobacco inflation at 1.6 percent in October against headline inflation of 4.0 percent. The BRC series covers prices in member shops and is not the same basket as the official CPI, so the two can diverge month to month.

UK shop price inflation by category, October 2026

Year-on-year change, BRC-NIQ Shop Price Monitor, October 2026.

Ambient food3.2%
All food2.9%
Fresh food2.6%
All shop prices2.1%
Non-food1.7%

Source: British Retail Consortium, Shop Price Monitor, October 2026

1.3%
UK food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 1.3 percent in the 12 months to September 2026, unchanged from August.
Office for National Statistics · Consumer price inflation, UK: September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
The 12-month inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages was 1.3% in September 2026, unchanged from August (Figure 4).
0.2%
UK food and non-alcoholic beverage prices fell 0.2 percent between August and September 2026.
Office for National Statistics · Consumer price inflation, UK: September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
On a monthly basis, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices fell by 0.2% in September 2026, the same fall as in September 2025.
2.9%
UK shop food inflation rose to 2.9 percent year on year in October 2026, up from 2.5 percent in September, according to the British Retail Consortium.
British Retail Consortium · Shop Price Monitor, October 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Food inflation increased to 2.9% year on year in October, against growth of 2.5% in September.
2.6%
UK fresh food inflation was 2.6 percent year on year in October 2026, unchanged from September.
British Retail Consortium · Shop Price Monitor, October 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Fresh Food inflation was unchanged at 2.6% year on year in October, against growth of 2.6% in September.
3.2%
UK ambient food inflation, covering shelf-stable groceries, jumped to 3.2 percent year on year in October 2026 from 2.2 percent in September.
British Retail Consortium · Shop Price Monitor, October 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Ambient Food inflation increased to 3.2% year on year in October, against growth of 2.2% in September.
1.6%
Euro area food, alcohol and tobacco inflation was an estimated 1.6 percent in October 2026, up from 1.3 percent in September.
Eurostat · Flash estimate, October 2026: Euro area annual inflation up to 4.0% (Nov 2026)
Exact quote
followed by services (3.3%, compared with 3.2% in September), food, alcohol & tobacco (1.6%, compared with 1.3% in September)
4.0%
Euro area headline inflation was an estimated 4.0 percent in October 2026, far above the food component.
Eurostat · Flash estimate, October 2026: Euro area annual inflation up to 4.0% (Nov 2026)
Exact quote
Euro area annual inflation is expected to be 4.0% in October 2026, up from 3.8% in September

Grocery inflation in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and China

Outside the US and Europe, grocery inflation varies widely. Canadian grocery inflation slowed to 1.7 percent in September 2026, though prices remain a third higher than in 2020. Australia and New Zealand are running near 3 percent, with restaurant and takeaway meals rising faster than groceries in both. China is at the other extreme, with food prices falling on a yearly basis as vegetable prices dropped. Each country uses its own basket and definitions, so the levels are not directly comparable, but the direction of change is.

1.7%
Canadian prices for food purchased from stores rose 1.7 percent in the year to September 2026, down from 2.8 percent in August.
Statistics Canada · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Prices for food purchased from stores rose 1.7% year over year in September, after increasing 2.8% in August.
33.0%
Canadian grocery prices in September 2026 were 33.0 percent higher than in September 2020.
Statistics Canada · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Despite the year-over-year slowdown in prices for groceries, prices have increased 33.0% since September 2020.
8.7%
Fresh or frozen beef prices in Canada were up 8.7 percent year over year in September 2026.
Statistics Canada · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Prices for other food preparations (+1.8%) and fresh or frozen beef (+8.7%) rose at a slower pace in September than in August (+2.8% and +11.0%, respectively), also contributing to the slowdown.
3.2%
Australian food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 3.2 percent in the 12 months to September 2026.
Australian Bureau of Statistics · Consumer Price Index, Australia, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Annual inflation for Food and non-alcoholic beverages was 3.2% in the 12 months to September 2026, up from 3.0% in August 2026.
3.9%
Australian prices for meals out and takeaway food rose 3.9 percent in the year to September 2026, the main driver of food inflation.
Australian Bureau of Statistics · Consumer Price Index, Australia, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Meals out and takeaway food was the main contributor, rising 3.9% in the 12 months to September 2026, driven by higher operating, ingredient and other input costs.
2.4 percent
New Zealand food prices rose 2.4 percent in the year to September 2026.
Stats NZ · Petrol and diesel prices rise in September (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Food prices increased 2.4 percent in the year ended September 2026, following a 1.9 percent rise in the year ended August 2026.
3.0 percent
New Zealand grocery food prices rose 3.0 percent in the year to September 2026, the largest contributor to food inflation.
Stats NZ · Petrol and diesel prices rise in September (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
The largest contributor to the annual increase in food prices was the grocery food group, up 3.0 percent.
86 percent
New Zealand onion prices rose more than 86 percent in the year to September 2026, the largest annual increase since the series began in 2008.
Stats NZ · Petrol and diesel prices rise in September (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
“Onion prices increased over 86 percent in the year ended September 2026,” Growden said.
1.7%
Chinese consumer food prices fell 1.7 percent year on year in September 2026.
National Bureau of Statistics of China · Consumer Price Index in September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
the price index for food decreased by 1.7% while that for non-food increased by 1.5%
8.1%
Fresh vegetable prices in China were down 8.1 percent year on year in September 2026.
National Bureau of Statistics of China · Consumer Price Index in September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Among food, the price index for fresh vegetables decreased by 8.1%

Global food commodity prices

Commodity prices feed into grocery shelves with a lag and are diluted by processing, transport and retail costs. The FAO Food Price Index edged down in October 2026 but was still about 6 percent higher than a year earlier, with vegetable oils near multi-year highs and cereals cheaper. The World Bank expects food commodity prices to rise about 10 percent in 2026 and 7 percent more in 2027 as conflict, freight costs and El Niño weigh on supply. Its food security tracking shows real food prices outpacing general inflation in a growing share of countries. Rising commodity costs could push grocery inflation higher in 2027, though the USDA notes that farm price swings have relatively small effects on US retail food prices.

133.9 points
The FAO Food Price Index averaged 133.9 points in October 2026, down 1.2 percent from September.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · FAO Food Price Index (Nov 2026)
Exact quote
The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI ) * averaged 133.9 points in October 2026, down 1.6 points (1.2 percent) from its revised September level.
5.9 percent
Global food commodity prices measured by the FAO were 5.9 percent higher in October 2026 than a year earlier, but 16.4 percent below the March 2022 peak.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · FAO Food Price Index (Nov 2026)
Exact quote
Compared to a year earlier, the FFPI stood 7.5 points (5.9 percent) higher but remained 26.3 points (16.4 percent) below its March 2022 peak.
116.8 points
The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 116.8 points in October 2026, 12.6 percent below its October 2025 level.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · FAO Food Price Index (Nov 2026)
Exact quote
The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 116.8 points in October, down 5.5 points (4.5 percent) from September and 13.1 points (12.6 percent) below its October 2025 level.
199.2 points
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 199.2 points in October 2026, the highest of the five commodity groups.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · FAO Food Price Index (Nov 2026)
Exact quote
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 199.2 points in October, up slightly by 0.6 points (0.3 percent) from September.
10%
The World Bank expects food commodity prices to rise about 10 percent in 2026 and another 7 percent in 2027, a cumulative 18 percent.
World Bank · Energy prices to rise 32% in 2026; food commodity prices to climb 18% in 2026-27 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Food commodity prices are expected to rise about 10% in 2026 and another 7% in 2027—a cumulative increase of 18%
22 percent
Real food prices outpaced headline inflation in about 22 percent of 150 countries in the World Bank's latest quarterly data, up from 14 percent.
World Bank · Food Security Update, October 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
In the latest quarterly data, real food prices outpaced headline inflation in about 22 percent of the 150 countries analyzed, compared with 14 percent in the previous period, indicating a decrease in food availability.
6 percent
The World Bank's cereal price index closed 6 percent lower between its September and October 2026 updates.
World Bank · Food Security Update, October 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Since the last update in September, the aggregate agriculture price index closed 1 percent lower, and the cereal price index closed 6 percent lower.

FAQ

How much have grocery prices gone up in 2026?

US food at home prices were 1.8 percent higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The USDA Economic Research Service forecasts a 2.3 percent rise for 2026 as a whole, the same as 2025.

Which grocery items are rising fastest?

Beef is the standout. Beef and veal prices rose 11.6 percent in 2025 and the USDA forecasts another 8.7 percent in 2026, with ground beef averaging $6.79 a pound in September 2026. Coffee is also high at $9.33 a pound.

Are egg prices going down?

Yes. A dozen grade A large eggs averaged $2.27 in September 2026 according to BLS average price data, and the USDA expects egg prices to average 29.3 percent less in 2026 than in 2025, when bird flu pushed them up 21.9 percent.

What share of income do Americans spend on food?

The USDA reports that US consumers spent 9.7 percent of disposable personal income on food in 2025, with 4.8 percent on food at home. Low-income households spend far more: the lowest fifth spent the equivalent of 33.0 percent of before-tax income on food in 2024.

Are global food prices rising?

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 133.9 points in October 2026, 5.9 percent higher than a year earlier but 16.4 percent below its 2022 peak. The World Bank expects food commodity prices to rise about 10 percent in 2026 and 7 percent in 2027.

How does grocery inflation in the UK and Europe compare with the US?

It is similar or lower. The ONS put UK food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation at 1.3 percent in September 2026, and Eurostat estimated euro area food, alcohol and tobacco inflation at 1.6 percent in October 2026, against 1.8 percent for US groceries.

Methodology note

We used the latest releases available on 6 November 2026: the BLS Consumer Price Index for September 2026 (linked to its dated archive copy), BLS Average Price Data series through September 2026, the BLS Consumer Expenditure Surveys for 2025, the USDA ERS Food Price Outlook of October 23, 2026 and its Food Prices and Spending charts updated in 2026, the New York Fed Survey of Consumer Expectations for September 2026, the American Farm Bureau Federation 2025 Thanksgiving survey (the 2026 survey was not yet out), the ONS September 2026 bulletin, the Eurostat October 2026 flash estimate, the BRC Shop Price Monitor for October 2026, September 2026 CPI releases from Statistics Canada, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Stats NZ and the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the FAO Food Price Index for October 2026, and World Bank releases from October 2026. National CPI food measures use different baskets, weights and definitions (the euro area figure includes alcohol and tobacco), so compare directions rather than levels. BLS average prices are US city averages for a defined item and size and are not store prices. USDA forecasts and the World Bank outlook are projections and will be revised. The USDA income-share figures by quintile refer to 2024 and use before-tax income. The Farm Bureau survey is an informal volunteer price check. October 2026 BLS data, due November 10, were not yet released. Every quote is re-fetched from the source by our checker. See how we rank and verify.

Sources

1American Farm Bureau Federation: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines
2Australian Bureau of Statistics: Consumer Price Index, Australia, September 2026
3British Retail Consortium: Shop Price Monitor, October 2026
4Eurostat: Flash estimate, October 2026: Euro area annual inflation up to 4.0%
5Federal Reserve Bank of New York: Short- and Medium-Term Inflation Expectations Increase; Labor Market Expectations Improve (Survey of Consumer Expectations, September 2026)
6Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: FAO Food Price Index
7National Bureau of Statistics of China: Consumer Price Index in September 2026
8Office for National Statistics: Consumer price inflation, UK: September 2026
9Statistics Canada: Consumer Price Index, September 2026
10Stats NZ: Petrol and diesel prices rise in September
11U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Consumer Price Index, September 2026
12U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: CPI Average Price Data: Eggs, grade A, large, per dozen, U.S. city average
13U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: CPI Average Price Data: Ground beef, 100% beef, per lb., U.S. city average
14U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: CPI Average Price Data: Coffee, 100%, ground roast, all sizes, per lb., U.S. city average
15U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: CPI Average Price Data: Cheddar cheese, natural, per lb., U.S. city average
16U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Consumer Expenditures, 2025
17USDA Economic Research Service: Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, Food Prices and Spending
18USDA Economic Research Service: Food Price Outlook, Summary Findings
19World Bank: Energy prices to rise 32% in 2026; food commodity prices to climb 18% in 2026-27
20World Bank: Food Security Update, October 2026

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Rankozo. (2026, November 6). Grocery Price Statistics 2026. https://rankozo.com/grocery-price-statistics

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