6 Everyday Grocery Items That Already Jumped in Price This Year
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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If grocery bills feel higher lately, shoppers are not imagining it.
While inflation has cooled overall, some everyday staples have already climbed in price this year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of these are items households buy every week, so even small increases can make a difference at checkout.
Here are six grocery items that have already jumped in price this year.
Nonalcoholic Beverages
Prices for nonalcoholic beverages rose 5.1% over the past year, according to the BLS. That category includes everyday drinks like coffee, juice and soft drinks.
For many households, these are regular purchases that land in the cart week after week. When beverage prices climb, even gradually, the impact can be noticeable over time.
Sugar and Sweets
Prices for sugar and sweets were 6.9% higher over the past year, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. The agency reported that prices increased primarily for candy and chewing gum, a subcomponent that includes most types of chocolate candy.
Shoppers may notice it most when buying baking staples, candy or chocolate treats, where higher prices can push totals up faster than expected.
Beef and Veal
Beef and veal prices were 16.4% higher over the past year, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. Agency researchers reported that the U.S. cattle herd has decreased in size since 2019 while consumer demand has remained strong in the face of tighter supplies.
At the meat counter, elevated beef prices can make everyday items like ground beef or steak noticeably more expensive.
Meats, Poultry and Fish
Prices for meats, poultry and fish rose 3.9% over the past year, according to the BLS.
Protein is often one of the most expensive parts of a grocery trip, so even modest increases can make a difference. USDA also reported that meat prices are expected to rise by 9.4% this year due to strong demand and tighter supplies.
Cereals and Bakery Products
Prices for cereals and bakery products rose 1.5% over the past year, according to the BLS. That category includes everyday staples like bread, cereal and baked goods.
While the increase is more modest than some other grocery groups, these are frequent purchases that can quietly add up over time.
Fruits and Vegetables
Prices for fruits and vegetables rose 0.5% over the past year, according to federal price data.
USDA’s Economic Research Service predicts vegetable prices will increase 11% in 2026 and fruit prices will rise 2.2%. The agency said that prices for fruit and vegetables can undergo large swings based on weather, production, seasonality and other factors.
For families building meals around fresh ingredients, even slight increases can change what ends up in the cart.
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