Grocery inflation flat in August, up 2.2% for the year

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Supermarket News
Published: September 11, 2026
Source: Read at Supermarket News
Category: Food Access

The Consumer Price Index for food at home was unchanged from July to August, while the overall CPI rose 0.4% in August. Grocery prices were up 2.2% over the 12-month period through August, compared with 3.4% overall. Lettuce prices fell 6.2% in August, contributing to a 0.7% decline in fresh fruits and vegetables, while eggs rose 2.9%. Beef and veal prices were up 5.9% over 12 months, including increases of 7.2% for uncooked ground beef and 8.4% for uncooked beef roasts.

Why this matters: Flat overall grocery prices may give independent stores some short-term stability in broad pricing, but higher beef costs could still pressure shoppers and store margins in key meat departments.

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