Updated
Updated · Press Herald · Jul 13
U.S. Food CPI Rose 40.8% in 10 Years, Not Doubled
Updated
Updated · Press Herald · Jul 13

U.S. Food CPI Rose 40.8% in 10 Years, Not Doubled

1 articles · Updated · Press Herald · Jul 13

Summary

  • 349 in May 2026 versus 247.9 in May 2016 put the federal food Consumer Price Index up 40.8% over 10 years, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
  • 2022 drove the sharpest jump, with food prices rising 9.9%, followed by 5.8% in 2023; increases then cooled to 2.3% in 2024 and 2.9% in 2025.
  • 321 versus 239.4 shows grocery prices—"food at home"—rose 34.1% over the decade, while restaurant and prepared-food prices—"food away from home"—climbed 50.6% to 394.7 from 262.1.
  • The figures come in a fact check of a claim that U.S. food prices doubled in 10 years; federal agencies do not publish Maine-specific food price data.

Insights

Why are egg prices dropping while beef and vegetable costs are projected to soar for American shoppers in 2026?
As U.S. food prices climb, what can be learned from the UK's success in curbing its own food inflation?
How are distant conflicts and shipping lane closures directly driving up the cost of your family's groceries?