U.S. Food Prices Rise 3.2% as Summer Cookout Staples Climb
Updated
Updated · WGR550 · Jun 9
U.S. Food Prices Rise 3.2% as Summer Cookout Staples Climb
3 articles · Updated · WGR550 · Jun 9
Summary
3.2% higher U.S. food prices from a year ago are making summer barbecues notably more expensive, with groceries up 2.9% and restaurant meals up 3.6%.
Beef is a main driver because tighter cattle herds and supply constraints are lifting grill-season costs, while barbecue sauce prices have jumped nearly 12%.
Fuel is adding pressure across the food chain: some U.S. shrimp boats have stayed docked as diesel costs bite, and economists say petroleum-based packaging may be pushing beverage prices higher.
20.3% cumulative food inflation since 2022 keeps grocery costs politically sensitive ahead of November's midterm elections, even as egg prices have fallen 39% and milk and chicken eased slightly.