NASHVILLE, TN – Food-at-home prices rose 2.2% in July compared to a year earlier, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eating out saw a larger 3.9% increase.
Some staples posted double-digit price jumps. Eggs led the gains, climbing 16.4%, followed by roasted coffee at 14.8%, beef steaks at 12.4%, and ground beef at 11.5%. Canned juices rose 6.8%.
Analysts point to multiple pressures behind the increases. Drought and other climate-driven production issues have reduced yields and pushed up costs for coffee, beef, and fresh produce. Avian flu has hit egg-laying flocks, tightening supply. Tariffs on certain imported goods are also contributing to higher costs for consumers.
The USDA forecasts grocery prices will rise 2.2% for 2025, consistent with historical trends, while food-away-from-home prices could increase about 4%. Analysts caution that weather, trade policy, and disease outbreaks will continue to influence prices into 2026.