Food Prices Back on the Rise: May CPI Report

May’s food prices increased modestly — 0.3% overall — according to the most recent CPI report.

Food at home

The price index for food at home rose 0.3% last month. Fruits and vegetables were the only prices to decrease in May. This is the second month in a row that prices have dipped in the category. Meanwhile, nonalcoholic beverage prices surged.

• Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs: +0.8%

• Cereals and bakery products: +0.4%

• Dairy and related products: +0.7%

• Fruits and vegetables: -0.8%

• Nonalcoholic beverages: +1.2%

• Other food from home: No change

Over the past 12 months, the index for food at home has risen by 1.2% overall, with all six grocery store group indexes inflating. Prices for nonalcoholic beverages (+ 2.9%) and cereals and bakery products (+2.2%) increased the most over the past year.

Food away from home

Prices for food away from home prices are still on the rise. In May, the index saw a 0.2% increase.

• Limited service meals: +0.2%

• Full service meals: +0.2%

Small and steady price surges in the food away from home category have brought the 12-month unadjusted index change to 2.9%.

The index for all food has risen 2% in the past year.