Chew on this: U.S. food prices are still up 19% since 2022

January 14, 2026

TL;DR

Food prices rose 3.1% annually in December, outpacing overall inflation of 2.7%.
Monthly food prices increased by 0.7% in December, the largest jump since September 2022.
Specific food categories like beef and coffee have reached record high prices.
Consumers notice food price increases more frequently due to regular grocery shopping.
Factors contributing to rising food costs include constrained beef supplies, tariffs, and adverse weather for coffee.
Egg prices have cooled significantly, dropping nearly 21% annually in December after avian flu-related surges.
Prices for food away from home rose 4.1% annually in December, higher than overall inflation.
Increased labor, utilities, and strong consumer demand are driving up restaurant menu prices.
Consumers are dining out more since the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to price pressures.

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