Food prices rose for the fifth month in a row, according to the most recent CPI report. January’s overall price index increased by 0.2%, the same amount as in December.
Food at home
The price index for food at home increased by 0.1% in January, with some notable changes among three of the grocery food groups:
- Nonalcoholic beverages: +0.4% (vs. -0.4% in December)
- Other food at home: +0.2% (vs. -0.3% in December)
- Cereals and bakery products: -0.4% (vs. -0.4% in December)
The price indexes for both dairy and related products and fruits and vegetables also increased in January, while the prices for meat, poultry, fish, and eggs stayed the same.
The food at home price index has increased by 0.7% over the past year. During that period, five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased, with the most growth in dairy and related products (2.7%). By contrast, the index for fruits and vegetables fell by 1%.
Food away from home
Prices for food away from home continue to rise, this month by 0.4%, slightly more than December’s 0.3% increase. Both limited and full service meals saw increases:
- Limited service meals: +0.4%
- Full service meals: +0.4%
Over the past 12 months, the index for food away rose by 3.1%, with full service meals at +3.4% and limited service meals at +2.9% for the period.
