WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. food inflation remains uneven, with beef prices climbing rapidly while eggs become dramatically cheaper. USDA’s Economic Research Service expects overall food prices to rise 3.1 percent in 2026, but individual grocery categories are moving in sharply different directions.
Beef and veal prices were 11.8 percent above last year in June and are forecast to increase 10.7 percent for 2026. Tight cattle supplies and record seasonal wholesale values continue pushing costs higher despite strong consumer demand.
Egg prices moved the opposite direction. Retail values were 27.9 percent below last year and are projected to fall 30.7 percent during 2026 as production recovers and avian influenza losses ease.
Fresh vegetables remain another pressure point. Prices were 9.9 percent above last year, including lettuce up 32.1 percent and tomatoes up 19.5 percent. Farm-level vegetable prices remained 59.2 percent higher.
Consumers may see moderate overall inflation while still facing large swings across meat, produce, and eggs. Producers will watch whether farm-level changes continue reaching retail shelves.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Tight beef supplies support cattle prices, while recovering egg production sharply reduces poultry-sector pricing power.