Food prices rose 0.9% in September, more than double August’s 0.4% increase, according to data from the most recent CPI report. This month marks the ninth consecutive month there has been an increase in prices.
Food at home
The food at home index increased 1.2% over the month of September, reflecting increases for all six major grocery store food groups.
The index for nonalcoholic beverages showed its fourth consecutive monthly increase, rising 1.2% in September after a 1.0% increase in August. The index for fruit and vegetables rose 0.6% in September, following August’s 0.2% increase.
Price changes for the other major grocery store groups included:
- Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs: +2.2% (+0.7% in August)
- Cereals and bakery products: +1.1% (no change in August)
- Other food at home: +1.1% (+0.6% in August)
- Dairy and related products: +0.7 (-1.0% in August)
Over the past 12 months the food at home index has risen 4.5%, with all of the six major grocery store groups increasing over the period. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs had the largest increase over the year at 10.5%, with beef prices rising 17.6%. The smallest increase was in dairy and related products, which went up by 0.6% during this time.
Food away from home
The food away from home index also rose in September, showing a 0.5% increase after August’s slightly lower 0.4% increase. Indexes for limited services meals and full service meals both showed an increase of 0.6% during this time, while the index for food at employee sites and schools fell by 6.4%, continuing its downward trend.
The food away from home index rose 4.7% over the past 12 months. The limited service meals index increased 6.7% during this period, and the index for full service meals jumped 5.2%.
