According to the most recent CPI data, the food price index rose 0.4% in December, making it the most substantial price increase since May 2014. December is also the second consecutive month that the food price index has risen.
Overall, the price index for food at home rose by 0.3% last month. Four of the six grocery store food group indexes rose, one remained unchanged, and one decreased. The most significant change was in the fruits and vegetables category.
Here’s the breakdown of food from home price index changes:
- Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs: No change
- Cereals and bakery products: +0.4%
- Dairy and related products: +0.3%
- Fruits and vegetables: +1.7%
- Nonalcoholic beverages: +0.3%
- Other food from home: -0.3%
Prices for food away from home also rose last month, this time by 0.4%. Indexes for both full service meals and limited service meals increased in December.
As we wrap up price index reporting for 2018, take a look at how the indexes changed over the past 12 months.
- Overall food: +1.6%
- Food at home: +0.6%
- Food away from home: +2.8%
