Overall, food prices ended last year around two percent higher than in 2023. Looking ahead to the rest of the year, the USDA says they could see a drop.
“We are expecting them to grow by 1.3%, which is just one-tenth of a percent higher than what we saw in 2024, when grocery prices grew by 1.2%. And that’s lower than the long-term average over the past 20 years, which has seen an average annual growth of 2.6%,” said Economist Megan Sweitzer.
Egg prices, however, are expected to increase by 20% in the coming year.
Related Stories
The work could apply to ready-to-eat meals and delicate foods such as freeze-dried berries.
Higher food costs are showing up beyond the grocery aisle, with some major restaurant chains shrinking their U.S. footprint.
The BMO 2026 Wine Market Report describes the wine market’s current conditions as a reset, not a pause.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation shares how teens are helping fuel stronger demand for traditional U.S. dairy products.
The latest Meat Demand Monitor shows strong retail demand for beef products like ribeye steaks and ground beef.
For dairy producers, that could help support fluid milk use in cafeterias, breakfast programs, and other child nutrition settings.
