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LendingTree Food Cost Report
It cost 5.7% more to buy a typical basket of groceries in January than a month earlier, according to a LendingTree analysis of 32 commonly purchased items. Prices are 3.3% higher than three months ago and 4.5% higher than a year ago.
LendingTree reviewed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on the cost of hundreds of food items, including dairy, dry pantry items, eggs, fruits, meats, onions and potatoes, and vegetables. This helped us calculate the total cost of a typical basket of groceries for an American family.
Here’s what we found.
Key findings
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The overall cost of a typical grocery basket — including dairy, dry pantry items, eggs, fruits, meats, onions and potatoes, and vegetables — jumped by 5.7% or $4.24 (from $74.87 to $79.11) between December 2024 and January 2025. The biggest increases in our sample basket were:
- Fuji apples: Up 55.2% or $1.28 per three-pound bag
- Yellow onions: Up 32.6% or $0.76 per dry three-pound bag
- Green leaf lettuce: Up 28.7% or $0.27 each
-
The overall cost of that same basket was up 3.3% or $2.53 (from $76.58 to $79.11) compared to three months earlier. The biggest increases were:
- Tomatoes: Up 64.4% or $1.05 per pound
- 80%-89% ground beef: Up 45.2% or $1.57 per pound
- Carrots: Up 36.6% or $0.26 per one-pound bag
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The overall cost of that same basket was up 4.5% or $3.42 (from $75.69 to $79.11) compared to one year earlier. The biggest increases were:
- Fresh large white eggs: Up 99.0% or $0.98 per dozen
- Tomatoes: Up 55.8% or $0.96 per pound
- Bananas: Up 35.4% or $0.17 per pound
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Separately, we tracked the biggest price increases for items across eight categories independent of popularity: beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, fruit, onions and potatoes, pork and vegetables. The biggest price increases between December 2024 and January 2025 across this combined list were:
- Cosmic Crisp apples: Up 303.0% or $3.00 to $3.99 per three-pound bag
- Bok choy: Up 162.7% or $1.22 to $1.97 per pound
- Fresh chicken liver: Up 108.1% or $1.61 to $3.10 each
- Pink Lady/Cripps Pink apples: Up 102.6% or $1.96 to $3.87 per three-pound bag
- Organic crown-cut broccoli: Up 93.5% or $1.86 to $3.85 per pound
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We also tracked the biggest price decreases across the same eight categories. The biggest price decreases between December 2024 and January 2025 across this combined list were:
- Boneless antibiotic-free ribeye roast: Down 75.0% or $15.00 to $4.99 per pound
- Boneless ribeye roast: Down 73.4% or $11.00 to $3.99 per pound
- Tangerines/mandarins: Down 70.6% or $1.68 to $0.70 each
- Flat corned beef brisket: Down 60.1% or $6.00 to $3.99 per pound
- Tangerines/mandarins: Down 50.6% or $1.78 to $1.74 per pound
Price of typical food basket up from last month, 3 months ago and last year
There was a 5.7% monthly increase in the overall cost of our curated food basket in January.
Massive increases in the price of Fuji apples (55.2%) and yellow onions (32.6%) helped offset drops in the price of sweet corn (15.9%) and carrots (14.2%).
(Note: The list doesn’t include condiments or processed foods not tracked by the USDA or BLS.)
Popular food basket (1-month change)
| Category | Item | Current | Last month | Difference ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Fuji Apples 3 Lb Bag | $3.60 | $2.32 | $1.28 | 55.2% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Onions, Dry 3 Lb Bag | $3.09 | $2.33 | $0.76 | 32.6% |
| Vegetables | Green Leaf Lettuce Each | $1.21 | $0.94 | $0.27 | 28.7% |
| Fruit | Bananas Per Lb | $0.65 | $0.54 | $0.11 | 20.4% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Russet Potatoes 5 Lb Bag | $2.63 | $2.21 | $0.42 | 19.0% |
| Fruit | Lemons Each | $0.65 | $0.55 | $0.10 | 18.2% |
| Fruit | Clementines 3 Lb Bag | $4.65 | $3.94 | $0.71 | 18.0% |
| Vegetables | Cucumbers Each | $0.77 | $0.67 | $0.10 | 14.9% |
| Eggs | Large White, 12, Fresh | $1.97 | $1.77 | $0.20 | 11.3% |
| Dairy | Butter 1 lb | $4.65 | $4.24 | $0.41 | 9.7% |
| Meat – Beef | Ground Beef 80-89% | $5.04 | $4.69 | $0.35 | 7.5% |
| Meat – Pork | Sliced Bacon | $5.58 | $5.27 | $0.31 | 5.9% |
| Pantry Staple | Coffee, 1 lb | $7.02 | $6.78 | $0.24 | 3.5% |
| Vegetables | Celery Each | $1.49 | $1.44 | $0.05 | 3.5% |
| Pantry Staple | Flour (all purpose, white), 5 lbs | $2.81 | $2.74 | $0.07 | 2.6% |
| Pantry Staple | Sugar, 4 lbs | $4.04 | $3.97 | $0.07 | 1.8% |
| Pantry Staple | Bread loaf (white), 1 lb | $1.93 | $1.91 | $0.02 | 1.0% |
| Dairy | Cheese 6-8 oz Sliced | $2.65 | $2.63 | $0.02 | 0.8% |
| Meat – Chicken | Breast, Boneless/Skinless, Regular Pack, Fresh | $2.85 | $2.83 | $0.02 | 0.7% |
| Pantry Staple | Beans (dried), 1 lb | $1.65 | $1.66 | -$0.01 | -0.6% |
| Pantry Staple | Pasta, 1 lb | $1.37 | $1.38 | -$0.01 | -0.7% |
| Pantry Staple | Bread loaf (whole wheat), 1 lb | $2.76 | $2.80 | -$0.04 | -1.4% |
| Pantry Staple | Rice (long grain, white), 1 lb | $1.01 | $1.03 | -$0.02 | -1.9% |
| Fruit | Juice Apples, Processed 64 Oz (1/2 Gallon) | $2.59 | $2.67 | -$0.08 | -3.0% |
| Vegetables | Broccoli Per Lb | $1.43 | $1.49 | -$0.06 | -4.0% |
| Dairy | Milk Gallon | $3.19 | $3.40 | -$0.21 | -6.2% |
| Vegetables | Tomatoes Per Lb | $2.68 | $2.86 | -$0.18 | -6.3% |
| Vegetables | Zucchini Squash Per Lb | $1.34 | $1.44 | -$0.10 | -6.9% |
| Vegetables | Green Peppers (Bell Type) Each | $0.84 | $0.94 | -$0.10 | -10.6% |
| Meat – Chicken | Whole Bagged Fryer, Fresh | $1.42 | $1.61 | -$0.19 | -11.8% |
| Vegetables | Carrots 1 Lb Bag | $0.97 | $1.13 | -$0.16 | -14.2% |
| Vegetables | Corn-Sweet Each | $0.58 | $0.69 | -$0.11 | -15.9% |
| $79.11 | $74.87 | $4.24 | 5.7% |
The news is a bit better when you look a little further back, though prices are still up. Prices rose 3.3% compared to three months prior, driven by large increases in tomatoes (64.4%), ground beef (45.2%) and carrots (36.6%). Broccoli (42.6%) saw the biggest decrease, while two other products saw double-digit increases.
Popular food basket (3-month change)
| Category | Item | Current | 3 months prior | Difference ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | Tomatoes Per Lb | $2.68 | $1.63 | $1.05 | 64.4% |
| Meat – Beef | Ground Beef 80-89% | $5.04 | $3.47 | $1.57 | 45.2% |
| Vegetables | Carrots 1 Lb Bag | $0.97 | $0.71 | $0.26 | 36.6% |
| Fruit | Bananas Per Lb | $0.65 | $0.50 | $0.15 | 30.0% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Onions, Dry 3 Lb Bag | $3.09 | $2.48 | $0.61 | 24.6% |
| Dairy | Butter 1 lb | $4.65 | $4.07 | $0.58 | 14.3% |
| Vegetables | Corn-Sweet Each | $0.58 | $0.51 | $0.07 | 13.7% |
| Meat – Chicken | Whole Bagged Fryer, Fresh | $1.42 | $1.26 | $0.16 | 12.7% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Russet Potatoes 5 Lb Bag | $2.63 | $2.34 | $0.29 | 12.4% |
| Vegetables | Cucumbers Each | $0.77 | $0.71 | $0.06 | 8.5% |
| Fruit | Fuji Apples 3 Lb Bag | $3.60 | $3.36 | $0.24 | 7.1% |
| Pantry Staple | Coffee, 1 lb | $7.02 | $6.64 | $0.38 | 5.7% |
| Meat – Chicken | Breast, Boneless/Skinless, Regular Pack, Fresh | $2.85 | $2.80 | $0.05 | 1.8% |
| Pantry Staple | Sugar, 4 lbs | $4.04 | $4.01 | $0.03 | 0.7% |
| Fruit | Lemons Each | $0.65 | $0.65 | $0.00 | 0.0% |
| Dairy | Cheese 6-8 oz Sliced | $2.65 | $2.66 | -$0.01 | -0.4% |
| Pantry Staple | Bread loaf (white), 1 lb | $1.93 | $1.94 | -$0.01 | -0.5% |
| Pantry Staple | Flour (all purpose, white), 5 lbs | $2.81 | $2.83 | -$0.02 | -0.7% |
| Meat – Pork | Sliced Bacon | $5.58 | $5.62 | -$0.04 | -0.7% |
| Vegetables | Zucchini Squash Per Lb | $1.34 | $1.36 | -$0.02 | -1.5% |
| Pantry Staple | Beans (dried), 1 lb | $1.65 | $1.68 | -$0.03 | -1.8% |
| Pantry Staple | Bread loaf (whole wheat), 1 lb | $2.76 | $2.83 | -$0.07 | -2.5% |
| Fruit | Juice Apples, Processed 64 Oz (1/2 Gallon) | $2.59 | $2.67 | -$0.08 | -3.0% |
| Pantry Staple | Rice (long grain, white), 1 lb | $1.01 | $1.06 | -$0.05 | -4.7% |
| Vegetables | Celery Each | $1.49 | $1.57 | -$0.08 | -5.1% |
| Pantry Staple | Pasta, 1 lb | $1.37 | $1.45 | -$0.08 | -5.5% |
| Vegetables | Green Peppers (Bell Type) Each | $0.84 | $0.89 | -$0.05 | -5.6% |
| Fruit | Clementines 3 Lb Bag | $4.65 | $5.11 | -$0.46 | -9.0% |
| Dairy | Milk Gallon | $3.19 | $3.54 | -$0.35 | -9.9% |
| Vegetables | Green Leaf Lettuce Each | $1.21 | $1.42 | -$0.21 | -14.8% |
| Eggs | Large White, 12, Fresh | $1.97 | $2.32 | -$0.35 | -15.1% |
| Vegetables | Broccoli Per Lb | $1.43 | $2.49 | -$1.06 | -42.6% |
| $79.11 | $76.58 | $2.53 | 3.3% |
Going back a year, the news isn’t great either, with prices up 4.5% or $3.42. Large white eggs saw a massive jump, spiking by 99.0%. Tomatoes (55.8%) and bananas (35.4%) also saw big price increases. Conversely, sweet corn (26.6%) had the biggest decrease.
Popular food basket (1-year change)
| Category | Item | Current | 1 year prior | Difference ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Large White, 12, Fresh | $1.97 | $0.99 | $0.98 | 99.0% |
| Vegetables | Tomatoes Per Lb | $2.68 | $1.72 | $0.96 | 55.8% |
| Fruit | Bananas Per Lb | $0.65 | $0.48 | $0.17 | 35.4% |
| Vegetables | Broccoli Per Lb | $1.43 | $1.07 | $0.36 | 33.6% |
| Meat – Beef | Ground Beef 80-89% | $5.04 | $4.25 | $0.79 | 18.6% |
| Pantry Staple | Coffee, 1 lb | $7.02 | $6.12 | $0.90 | 14.7% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Onions, Dry 3 Lb Bag | $3.09 | $2.84 | $0.25 | 8.8% |
| Dairy | Cheese 6-8 oz Sliced | $2.65 | $2.45 | $0.20 | 8.2% |
| Vegetables | Zucchini Squash Per Lb | $1.34 | $1.24 | $0.10 | 8.1% |
| Vegetables | Celery Each | $1.49 | $1.40 | $0.09 | 6.4% |
| Vegetables | Green Peppers (Bell Type) Each | $0.84 | $0.80 | $0.04 | 5.0% |
| Pantry Staple | Bread loaf (whole wheat), 1 lb | $2.76 | $2.63 | $0.13 | 4.9% |
| Pantry Staple | Beans (dried), 1 lb | $1.65 | $1.59 | $0.06 | 3.8% |
| Meat – Chicken | Breast, Boneless/Skinless, Regular Pack, Fresh | $2.85 | $2.75 | $0.10 | 3.6% |
| Pantry Staple | Sugar, 4 lbs | $4.04 | $3.90 | $0.14 | 3.6% |
| Pantry Staple | Flour (all purpose, white), 5 lbs | $2.81 | $2.77 | $0.04 | 1.4% |
| Vegetables | Cucumbers Each | $0.77 | $0.76 | $0.01 | 1.3% |
| Meat – Pork | Sliced Bacon | $5.58 | $5.51 | $0.07 | 1.2% |
| Pantry Staple | Rice (long grain, white), 1 lb | $1.01 | $1.00 | $0.01 | 1.0% |
| Meat – Chicken | Whole Bagged Fryer, Fresh | $1.42 | $1.41 | $0.01 | 0.7% |
| Fruit | Clementines 3 Lb Bag | $4.65 | $4.70 | -$0.05 | -1.1% |
| Fruit | Fuji Apples 3 Lb Bag | $3.60 | $3.70 | -$0.10 | -2.7% |
| Dairy | Butter 1 lb | $4.65 | $4.81 | -$0.16 | -3.3% |
| Pantry Staple | Pasta, 1 lb | $1.37 | $1.43 | -$0.06 | -4.2% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Russet Potatoes 5 Lb Bag | $2.63 | $2.76 | -$0.13 | -4.7% |
| Pantry Staple | Bread loaf (white), 1 lb | $1.93 | $2.03 | -$0.10 | -4.9% |
| Dairy | Milk Gallon | $3.19 | $3.43 | -$0.24 | -7.0% |
| Fruit | Lemons Each | $0.65 | $0.71 | -$0.06 | -8.5% |
| Vegetables | Green Leaf Lettuce Each | $1.21 | $1.33 | -$0.12 | -9.0% |
| Vegetables | Carrots 1 Lb Bag | $0.97 | $1.16 | -$0.19 | -16.4% |
| Fruit | Juice Apples, Processed 64 Oz (1/2 Gallon) | $2.59 | $3.16 | -$0.57 | -18.0% |
| Vegetables | Corn-Sweet Each | $0.58 | $0.79 | -$0.21 | -26.6% |
| $79.11 | $75.69 | $3.42 | 4.5% |
Which individual food items saw their prices increase the most?
Going beyond the items we included in our “typical food basket,” we found triple-digit increases in four items in just a month. (This category is a mixed look at the top increases across eight categories.)
Cosmic Crisp apples spiked by a massive 303.0%, while bok choy, chicken livers and Pink Lady/Cripps Pink apples all rose by at least 100.0%. Eight other items saw price increases of at least 70.0%.
Biggest increases (1-month change)
| Category | Item | Current | Last month | Difference ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Cosmic Crisp Apples 3 Lb Bag | $3.99 | $0.99 | $3.00 | 303.0% |
| Vegetables | Bok Choy Per Lb | $1.97 | $0.75 | $1.22 | 162.7% |
| Chicken | Liver, Fresh | $3.10 | $1.49 | $1.61 | 108.1% |
| Fruit | Pink Lady/Cripps Pink Apples 3 Lb Bag | $3.87 | $1.91 | $1.96 | 102.6% |
| Vegetables | Organic Crown Cut Broccoli Per Lb | $3.85 | $1.99 | $1.86 | 93.5% |
| Fruit | Hass-Marked Large Avocados Each | $2.49 | $1.32 | $1.17 | 88.6% |
| Beef | Ribeye Roast, Bone-In | $12.74 | $6.97 | $5.77 | 82.8% |
| Fruit | Honeycrisp Apples 3 Lb Bag | $5.99 | $3.29 | $2.70 | 82.1% |
| Vegetables | Chayote Each | $0.90 | $0.50 | $0.40 | 80.0% |
| Pork | Picnic, Bone-In | $2.59 | $1.45 | $1.14 | 78.3% |
| Chicken | Whole Cornish Hen, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $3.99 | $2.33 | $1.66 | 71.2% |
| Fruit | Tangerines/Mandarins 5 Lb Package | $8.99 | $5.26 | $3.73 | 70.9% |
| Vegetables | Radishes Per Bunch | $1.25 | $0.74 | $0.51 | 68.9% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Round Red Potatoes 10 Lb Bag | $4.94 | $2.99 | $1.95 | 65.2% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Round Red Potatoes Per Lb | $1.51 | $0.94 | $0.57 | 60.6% |
| Beef | Tripe | $6.17 | $3.89 | $2.28 | 58.6% |
| Dairy | Organic Cheese 6-8 oz Block | $5.18 | $3.29 | $1.89 | 57.4% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Round White Potatoes 5 Lb Bag | $3.33 | $2.19 | $1.14 | 52.1% |
| Eggs | Large Brown, 12, Fresh, Pasture Raised | $7.99 | $5.26 | $2.73 | 51.9% |
| Vegetables | Jalapeno Peppers Per Lb | $1.32 | $0.88 | $0.44 | 50.0% |
| Pork | Whole Pork Leg, Fresh | $2.27 | $1.53 | $0.74 | 48.4% |
| Pork | Hocks | $3.53 | $2.40 | $1.14 | 47.4% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Onions, Dry Per Lb | $1.06 | $0.73 | $0.33 | 45.2% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Organic Yellow Onions, Dry 2 Lb Bag | $3.86 | $2.71 | $1.15 | 42.4% |
| Pork | Cooked Backribs | $9.31 | $6.78 | $2.53 | 37.4% |
| Beef | Short Ribs | $9.24 | $6.79 | $2.45 | 36.1% |
| Chicken | Whole Bagged Fryer, Fresh, Usda Organic | $4.49 | $3.37 | $1.12 | 33.2% |
| Beef | Self-Service Deli Beef Tub/Pouch | $7.96 | $6.00 | $1.96 | 32.7% |
| Chicken | Self-Service Deli Chicken Tub/Pouch, < 5 Oz Pack, Prepared | $7.96 | $6.00 | $1.96 | 32.7% |
| Chicken | Breast Tenders, Iqf, Frozen | $3.30 | $2.49 | $0.81 | 32.5% |
| Beef | Sirloin Tip Steak | $8.87 | $6.71 | $2.16 | 32.2% |
| Pork | St. Louis Style Spareribs | $4.00 | $3.14 | $0.86 | 27.2% |
| Dairy | Organic Cheese 6-8 oz Shred | $4.99 | $4.04 | $0.95 | 23.5% |
| Dairy | Cottage Cheese 24 oz | $3.72 | $3.08 | $0.64 | 20.8% |
| Dairy | Sour Cream 24 oz | $3.57 | $2.99 | $0.58 | 19.4% |
| Eggs | Large Brown, 12, Fresh, Usda Organic, Pasture Raised | $9.69 | $8.34 | $1.35 | 16.2% |
| Dairy | Flavored Milk Half Gallon | $2.08 | $1.86 | $0.22 | 11.8% |
| Eggs | Large White, 12, Fresh | $1.97 | $1.77 | $0.20 | 11.3% |
Going back three months, sweet onions — up a stunning 165.3% — saw the biggest increase. Five other products saw increases of at least 80.0%.
Biggest increases (3-month change)
| Category | Item | Current | 3 months prior | Difference ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Marked Sweet Onions, Dry 2 Lb Bag | $2.60 | $0.98 | $1.62 | 165.3% |
| Chicken | Fried/Baked Wings, Bone-In, Bulk ($/Piece) Pack, Prepared | $1.07 | $0.50 | $0.57 | 114.0% |
| Fruit | Tangerines/Mandarins Each | $0.70 | $0.36 | $0.34 | 94.4% |
| Beef | Liver | $3.69 | $1.99 | $1.70 | 85.4% |
| Pork | Sirloin Roast, Boneless | $4.67 | $2.54 | $2.13 | 83.9% |
| Vegetables | Spinach Per Bunch | $1.79 | $0.99 | $0.80 | 80.8% |
| Fruit | Golden Delicious Apples Per Lb | $1.74 | $1.00 | $0.74 | 74.0% |
| Fruit | Mcintosh Apples Per Lb | $1.64 | $0.96 | $0.68 | 70.8% |
| Fruit | Honeycrisp Apples 2 Lb Bag | $3.99 | $2.41 | $1.58 | 65.6% |
| Vegetables | Tomatoes Per Lb | $2.68 | $1.63 | $1.05 | 64.4% |
| Vegetables | Organic Beets Per Bunch | $3.23 | $1.99 | $1.24 | 62.3% |
| Fruit | Red Flesh Seedless Type Watermelons Per Lb | $0.76 | $0.47 | $0.29 | 61.7% |
| Chicken | Breast Tenders, Value Pack, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $6.31 | $3.99 | $2.32 | 58.1% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Round Red Potatoes Per Lb | $1.51 | $0.97 | $0.54 | 55.7% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Organic Yellow Onions, Dry 2 Lb Bag | $3.86 | $2.50 | $1.36 | 54.4% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Russet Potatoes 8 Lb Bag | $4.85 | $3.17 | $1.68 | 53.0% |
| Chicken | Fried/Baked Chicken, Mixed, 8-Piece Pack, Prepared | $9.16 | $5.99 | $3.17 | 52.9% |
| Beef | Ground Beef Patties | $6.83 | $4.50 | $2.33 | 51.8% |
| Vegetables | Cherry Type Tomatoes 10 Oz Package | $3.49 | $2.30 | $1.19 | 51.7% |
| Beef | T-Bone Steak | $11.77 | $7.77 | $4.00 | 51.5% |
| Beef | Top Sirloin Steak, Boneless, Antibiotic Free | $11.99 | $7.98 | $4.01 | 50.3% |
| Vegetables | Flat Type Spinach 5-7 Oz Package | $3.45 | $2.33 | $1.12 | 48.1% |
| Chicken | Drumsticks, Regular Pack, Frozen | $1.64 | $1.11 | $0.53 | 47.7% |
| Eggs | Large Brown, 12, Fresh, Nutritionally Enhanced (Omega-3) | $5.77 | $3.93 | $1.84 | 46.8% |
| Beef | Ground Beef 80-89% | $5.04 | $3.47 | $1.57 | 45.2% |
| Chicken | Breast, Boneless/Skinless, Thin-Sliced, Regular Pack, Fresh | $4.60 | $3.27 | $1.33 | 40.7% |
| Pork | St. Louis Style Spareribs | $4.00 | $2.92 | $1.08 | 36.8% |
| Eggs | Large Brown, 12, Fresh, Pasture Raised | $7.99 | $5.96 | $2.03 | 34.1% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Type Potatoes Per Lb | $1.15 | $0.87 | $0.28 | 32.2% |
| Pork | Picnic, Bone-In | $2.59 | $1.99 | $0.60 | 29.9% |
| Pork | Cooked St. Louis Spareribs | $8.43 | $6.66 | $1.77 | 26.5% |
| Pork | Hocks | $3.53 | $2.83 | $0.70 | 24.7% |
| Dairy | Cottage Cheese 24 oz | $3.72 | $3.08 | $0.64 | 20.8% |
| Dairy | Cheese 2 lb Block | $7.81 | $6.64 | $1.17 | 17.6% |
| Dairy | Sour Cream 24 oz | $3.57 | $3.06 | $0.51 | 16.7% |
| Dairy | Organic Sour Cream 16 oz | $4.38 | $3.76 | $0.62 | 16.5% |
| Eggs | Large Brown, 12, Fresh, Usda Organic, Free Range | $6.29 | $5.42 | $0.87 | 16.1% |
| Dairy | Organic Milk Half Gallon | $4.90 | $4.23 | $0.67 | 15.8% |
When comparing today’s prices to those of a year ago, Chinese cabbage led the way, up 460.6%. That was by far the biggest increase, though three other products saw spikes of at least 100.0%.
Biggest increases (1-year change)
| Category | Item | Current | 1 year prior | Difference ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | Chinese Cabbage Per Lb | $1.85 | $0.33 | $1.52 | 460.6% |
| Pork | Ham, Bone-In | $2.06 | $0.98 | $1.08 | 109.7% |
| Vegetables | Radishes Per Bunch | $1.25 | $0.61 | $0.64 | 104.9% |
| Fruit | Solo Type Papaya Per Lb | $1.76 | $0.87 | $0.89 | 102.3% |
| Pork | Sirloin Roast, Boneless | $4.67 | $2.34 | $2.33 | 99.6% |
| Eggs | Large White, 12, Fresh | $1.97 | $0.99 | $0.98 | 99.0% |
| Vegetables | Bok Choy Per Lb | $1.97 | $1.00 | $0.97 | 97.0% |
| Eggs | Large Brown, 12, Fresh, Nutritionally Enhanced (Omega-3) | $5.77 | $2.93 | $2.84 | 96.9% |
| Fruit | Various White Flesh Varieties Nectarines Per Lb | $3.69 | $2.00 | $1.69 | 84.5% |
| Vegetables | Onions, Green Per Bunch | $1.12 | $0.61 | $0.51 | 83.6% |
| Vegetables | Flat Type Spinach 8-10 Oz Package | $3.27 | $1.81 | $1.46 | 80.7% |
| Fruit | Tangerines/Mandarins 5 Lb Package | $8.99 | $4.99 | $4.00 | 80.2% |
| Fruit | Hass-Marked Large Avocados Each | $2.49 | $1.42 | $1.07 | 75.4% |
| Fruit | Honeycrisp Apples 3 Lb Bag | $5.99 | $3.56 | $2.43 | 68.3% |
| Beef | Sirloin Tip Steak | $8.87 | $5.54 | $3.33 | 60.1% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Round Red Potatoes 5 Lb Bag | $4.34 | $2.76 | $1.58 | 57.2% |
| Chicken | Breast, Boneless/Skinless, Iqf, Frozen | $3.08 | $2.07 | $1.01 | 48.8% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Onions, Dry Per Lb | $1.06 | $0.73 | $0.33 | 45.2% |
| Chicken | Whole Bagged Fryer, Fresh, Usda Organic | $4.49 | $3.15 | $1.34 | 42.5% |
| Pork | St. Louis Style Spareribs | $4.00 | $2.84 | $1.16 | 40.7% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Round Red Potatoes Per Lb | $1.51 | $1.08 | $0.43 | 39.8% |
| Chicken | Breast Tenders, Iqf, Frozen | $3.30 | $2.40 | $0.90 | 37.5% |
| Dairy | Cheese 1 lb Shred | $5.50 | $4.09 | $1.41 | 34.5% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Organic Russet Potatoes 3 Lb Bag | $4.28 | $3.20 | $1.08 | 33.8% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Round White Potatoes 5 Lb Bag | $3.33 | $2.51 | $0.82 | 32.7% |
| Dairy | Cheese 1 lb Block | $4.67 | $3.55 | $1.12 | 31.5% |
| Beef | Eye Of Round Steak | $7.62 | $5.85 | $1.77 | 30.3% |
| Beef | T-Bone Steak | $11.77 | $9.18 | $2.59 | 28.2% |
| Pork | Cooked Spareribs | $10.16 | $7.94 | $2.22 | 27.9% |
| Beef | Top Round Roast | $6.19 | $4.87 | $1.32 | 27.1% |
| Pork | Rib Chops, Boneless | $3.92 | $3.09 | $0.83 | 26.9% |
| Dairy | Flavored Milk Gallon | $3.99 | $3.23 | $0.76 | 23.5% |
| Beef | Porterhouse Steak | $12.22 | $10.06 | $2.16 | 21.5% |
| Dairy | Organic Butter 1 lb | $7.63 | $6.35 | $1.28 | 20.2% |
| Dairy | Flavored Milk Half Gallon | $2.08 | $1.74 | $0.34 | 19.5% |
| Chicken | Breast, Boneless/Skinless, Value Pack, Fresh | $2.66 | $2.23 | $0.43 | 19.3% |
| Eggs | Liquid Egg, 32 Oz, Fresh | $6.59 | $5.73 | $0.86 | 15.0% |
| Chicken | Thighs, Boneless/Skinless, Value Pack, Fresh | $3.12 | $2.74 | $0.38 | 13.9% |
Which individual food items saw their prices decrease the most?
While many products saw their prices skyrocket this month, plenty of others went in the opposite direction. Antibiotic-free boneless rib roast fell 75.0% during that period, while five other items fell by at least 50.0%.
Biggest decreases (1-month change)
| Category | Item | Current | Last month | Difference ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef | Ribeye Roast, Boneless, Antibiotic Free | $4.99 | $19.99 | -$15.00 | -75.0% |
| Beef | Ribeye Roast, Boneless | $3.99 | $14.99 | -$11.00 | -73.4% |
| Fruit | Tangerines/Mandarins Each | $0.70 | $2.38 | -$1.68 | -70.6% |
| Beef | Corned Beef Brisket, Flat | $3.99 | $9.99 | -$6.00 | -60.1% |
| Fruit | Tangerines/Mandarins Per Lb | $1.74 | $3.52 | -$1.78 | -50.6% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Onions, Dry 5 Lb Bag | $2.48 | $4.99 | -$2.51 | -50.3% |
| Chicken | Leg Quarters, Regular Pack, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $1.02 | $1.99 | -$0.97 | -48.7% |
| Pork | Neckbones | $1.41 | $2.73 | -$1.33 | -48.5% |
| Vegetables | Green Peppers (Bell Type) Per Lb | $1.22 | $2.24 | -$1.02 | -45.5% |
| Chicken | Ground Chicken Patties, 1-2 Lbs Pack, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $3.03 | $5.51 | -$2.48 | -45.0% |
| Vegetables | Collards Per Bunch | $1.10 | $1.88 | -$0.78 | -41.5% |
| Fruit | Apple Pears Per Lb | $1.62 | $2.74 | -$1.12 | -40.9% |
| Vegetables | Collards Per Lb | $1.16 | $1.95 | -$0.79 | -40.5% |
| Fruit | Lemons Per Lb | $0.86 | $1.42 | -$0.56 | -39.4% |
| Vegetables | Beets Per Lb | $0.76 | $1.25 | -$0.49 | -39.2% |
| Vegetables | Artichokes Each | $2.75 | $4.50 | -$1.75 | -38.9% |
| Fruit | Juice Marked Cider Apples, Processed 64 Oz (1/2 Gallon) | $2.54 | $4.13 | -$1.59 | -38.5% |
| Chicken | Thighs, Regular Pack, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $1.68 | $2.70 | -$1.02 | -37.8% |
| Beef | Tenderloin | $10.14 | $16.11 | -$5.97 | -37.1% |
| Beef | Tri-Tip Steak | $6.33 | $9.99 | -$3.66 | -36.6% |
| Dairy | Organic Cheese 6-8 oz Sliced | $3.62 | $5.70 | -$2.08 | -36.5% |
| Pork | Rib Chops, Boneless | $3.92 | $5.99 | -$2.07 | -34.6% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Organic Russet Potatoes 5 Lb Bag | $3.45 | $5.27 | -$1.82 | -34.5% |
| Pork | Whole Pork Shoulder | $1.59 | $2.40 | -$0.81 | -33.8% |
| Chicken | Drumsticks, Regular Pack, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $1.74 | $2.62 | -$0.88 | -33.6% |
| Pork | Feet | $1.84 | $2.66 | -$0.83 | -31.0% |
| Chicken | Whole Bagged Fryer, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $1.94 | $2.79 | -$0.85 | -30.5% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Type Potatoes 10 Lb Bag | $3.50 | $4.99 | -$1.49 | -29.9% |
| Pork | Cc Loin Chops, Bone-In, Thick Cut | $2.59 | $3.61 | -$1.02 | -28.2% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Red Onions, Dry Per Lb | $1.23 | $1.63 | -$0.40 | -24.5% |
| Eggs | Liquid Egg White, 32 Oz, Fresh | $5.79 | $7.49 | -$1.70 | -22.7% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Round White Potatoes Per Lb | $0.99 | $1.26 | -$0.27 | -21.4% |
| Eggs | Large White, 18, Fresh | $4.03 | $4.99 | -$0.96 | -19.2% |
| Eggs | Large Brown, 12, Fresh, Usda Organic, Free Range | $6.29 | $6.99 | -$0.70 | -10.0% |
| Dairy | Organic Milk Gallon | $7.46 | $8.19 | -$0.73 | -8.9% |
| Dairy | Milk Half Gallon | $1.57 | $1.72 | -$0.15 | -8.7% |
| Dairy | Milk Gallon | $3.19 | $3.40 | -$0.21 | -6.2% |
| Dairy | Cottage Cheese 16 oz | $2.21 | $2.34 | -$0.13 | -5.6% |
Going back three months, antibiotic-free fresh pork tenderloin led the way, falling 63.7%, though eggplant wasn’t far behind with a drop of 60.2%. Twelve others fell at least 40.0%.
Biggest decreases (3-month change)
| Category | Item | Current | 3 months prior | Difference ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pork | Tenderloin, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $3.99 | $10.99 | -$7.00 | -63.7% |
| Vegetables | Eggplant Each | $0.99 | $2.49 | -$1.50 | -60.2% |
| Beef | Ribeye Roast, Boneless | $3.99 | $9.22 | -$5.23 | -56.7% |
| Fruit | Organic Hayward Kiwifruit 1-Lb Containers With Lids | $2.00 | $4.44 | -$2.44 | -55.0% |
| Vegetables | Organic Green Peppers (Bell Type) Each | $0.92 | $2.00 | -$1.08 | -54.0% |
| Vegetables | Collards Per Bunch | $1.10 | $2.33 | -$1.23 | -52.8% |
| Pork | Ham Shank, Bone-In | $1.12 | $2.32 | -$1.20 | -51.7% |
| Chicken | Thighs, Boneless/Skinless, Value Pack, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $2.49 | $4.99 | -$2.50 | -50.1% |
| Chicken | Split Breast, Bone-In, Regular Pack, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $2.51 | $4.78 | -$2.27 | -47.5% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Onions, Dry 5 Lb Bag | $2.48 | $4.66 | -$2.18 | -46.8% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Russet Potatoes 3 Lb Bag | $1.06 | $1.99 | -$0.93 | -46.7% |
| Pork | Ham Butt, Bone-In | $1.12 | $1.99 | -$0.87 | -43.7% |
| Vegetables | Broccoli Per Lb | $1.43 | $2.49 | -$1.06 | -42.6% |
| Vegetables | Turnip Tops Per Bunch | $0.99 | $1.72 | -$0.73 | -42.4% |
| Beef | Tenderloin | $10.14 | $16.48 | -$6.34 | -38.5% |
| Beef | Corned Beef Brisket, Flat | $3.99 | $6.46 | -$2.47 | -38.2% |
| Beef | Tri-Tip Steak | $6.33 | $9.99 | -$3.66 | -36.6% |
| Pork | Rib Chops, Bone-In | $2.66 | $4.15 | -$1.49 | -35.9% |
| Pork | Smoked Chops | $4.21 | $6.56 | -$2.35 | -35.8% |
| Fruit | Juice Marked Cider Apples, Processed 64 Oz (1/2 Gallon) | $2.54 | $3.92 | -$1.38 | -35.2% |
| Fruit | Golden Delicious Apples 2 Lb Bag | $2.00 | $2.98 | -$0.98 | -32.9% |
| Dairy | Milk Half Gallon | $1.57 | $2.33 | -$0.76 | -32.6% |
| Dairy | Organic Cheese 6-8 oz Sliced | $3.62 | $5.31 | -$1.69 | -31.8% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Organic Russet Potatoes 5 Lb Bag | $3.45 | $4.99 | -$1.54 | -30.9% |
| Dairy | Organic Cheese 6-8 oz Block | $5.18 | $7.49 | -$2.31 | -30.8% |
| Beef | Strip Roast, Bone-In | $8.99 | $12.99 | -$4.00 | -30.8% |
| Beef | Tenderloin, Abf, Grass Fed | $8.99 | $12.99 | -$4.00 | -30.8% |
| Chicken | Drumsticks, Value Pack, Frozen | $0.69 | $0.99 | -$0.30 | -30.3% |
| Fruit | Granny Smith Apples 2 Lb Bag | $1.93 | $2.75 | -$0.82 | -29.8% |
| Chicken | Leg Quarters, Marinated, Regular Pack, Fresh | $1.19 | $1.68 | -$0.49 | -29.2% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Round Red Potatoes 3 Lb Bag | $3.27 | $4.61 | -$1.34 | -29.1% |
| Fruit | Tangerines/Mandarins 3 Lb Bag | $3.81 | $5.28 | -$1.47 | -27.8% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Red Onions, Dry 2 Lb Bag | $1.92 | $2.66 | -$0.74 | -27.8% |
| Chicken | Party Wings, Flats And Drums, Value Pack, Fresh, Antibiotic Free | $2.99 | $4.00 | -$1.01 | -25.3% |
| Dairy | Flavored Milk Half Gallon | $2.08 | $2.75 | -$0.67 | -24.4% |
| Dairy | Flavored Milk Gallon | $3.99 | $4.99 | -$1.00 | -20.0% |
| Eggs | Large White, 12, Fresh | $1.97 | $2.32 | -$0.35 | -15.1% |
Looking back a year, we saw 17 items whose prices fell by at least 30.0%, including four that fell by at least 50.0%. Topping the list were organic blueberries (61.0%) and eggplant (59.8%).
Biggest decreases (1-year change)
| Category | Item | Current | 1 year prior | Difference ($) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Organic Blueberries 18 Oz Package | $4.29 | $10.99 | -$6.70 | -61.0% |
| Vegetables | Eggplant Each | $0.99 | $2.46 | -$1.47 | -59.8% |
| Pork | Ham Shank, Bone-In | $1.12 | $2.43 | -$1.31 | -53.9% |
| Vegetables | Organic Onions, Green Per Bunch | $0.69 | $1.49 | -$0.80 | -53.7% |
| Fruit | Round Varieties Marked Large Mangoes Each | $1.04 | $1.99 | -$0.95 | -47.7% |
| Fruit | Red Flesh Seedless Miniature Watermelons Each | $2.65 | $4.90 | -$2.25 | -45.9% |
| Fruit | Granny Smith Apples 2 Lb Bag | $1.93 | $3.50 | -$1.57 | -44.9% |
| Pork | Neckbones | $1.41 | $2.53 | -$1.13 | -44.5% |
| Vegetables | Vine Ripes – Heirloom Varieties Tomatoes Per Lb | $2.17 | $3.71 | -$1.54 | -41.5% |
| Vegetables | Orange Peppers (Bell Type) Each | $1.39 | $2.37 | -$0.98 | -41.4% |
| Pork | Sirloin Chops, Boneless | $2.97 | $5.00 | -$2.03 | -40.6% |
| Fruit | Round Varieties Mangoes Each | $1.12 | $1.87 | -$0.75 | -40.1% |
| Pork | Rib End Roast, Bone-In | $1.51 | $2.49 | -$0.98 | -39.4% |
| Pork | Canadian Bacon | $7.17 | $11.77 | -$4.61 | -39.1% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Yellow Onions, Dry 5 Lb Bag | $2.48 | $3.99 | -$1.51 | -37.8% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Organic Russet Potatoes 5 Lb Bag | $3.45 | $5.53 | -$2.08 | -37.6% |
| Vegetables | Romaine Lettuce Each | $1.01 | $1.49 | -$0.48 | -32.2% |
| Dairy | Organic Cheese 6-8 oz Sliced | $3.62 | $5.08 | -$1.46 | -28.7% |
| Dairy | Cheese 2 lb Block | $7.81 | $10.95 | -$3.14 | -28.7% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Russet Potatoes 3 Lb Bag | $1.06 | $1.47 | -$0.41 | -27.9% |
| Onions & Potatoes | White Onions, Dry Per Lb | $1.07 | $1.45 | -$0.38 | -26.2% |
| Dairy | Greek Yogurt 32 oz | $3.66 | $4.77 | -$1.11 | -23.3% |
| Onions & Potatoes | Red Onions, Dry Per Lb | $1.23 | $1.57 | -$0.34 | -21.7% |
| Dairy | Organic Cream Cheese 8 oz | $3.28 | $4.00 | -$0.72 | -18.0% |
| Dairy | Milk Half Gallon | $1.57 | $1.86 | -$0.29 | -15.6% |
| Beef | Tenderloin | $10.14 | $11.13 | -$0.99 | -8.9% |
| Beef | Ground Beef 70-79% | $3.48 | $3.69 | -$0.21 | -5.7% |
| Chicken | Breast Tenders, Regular Pack, Fresh | $3.69 | $3.84 | -$0.15 | -3.9% |
| Beef | Eye Of Round Roast | $5.53 | $5.73 | -$0.20 | -3.5% |
| Chicken | Thighs, Regular Pack, Fresh | $1.32 | $1.35 | -$0.03 | -2.2% |
| Chicken | Thighs, Value Pack, Fresh | $1.28 | $1.30 | -$0.02 | -1.5% |
How to get a handle on your grocery costs
Life is expensive, and groceries are no exception. Even if inflation completely vanished tomorrow, that would still be the case. That makes it more important than ever that you do what you can to control your grocery store expenses.
That can be easier said than done. How can you help yourself? Here are a few tips.
- Shop around. It’s old, cliched advice, but it’s still some of the best grocery advice you can receive. Where you buy can make a significant difference in the price you pay. If you don’t at least take the time to consider other stores, you’re doing yourself a disservice. That doesn’t mean you need to drive across town to save three cents on a d’Anjou pear, but you should go beyond your primary grocery store occasionally.
- Leverage credit card rewards. The right credit card, used wisely, can help you extend your grocery budget. If you want to keep it simple, a cash back card that gives you 1.5% or 2% on everything you buy can serve you well. If you’re looking for more savings, consider seeking cards that give extra rewards on grocery purchases. There are loads of options if you take the time to look.
- Make lists. This one simple action can make a real difference in your grocery bill. Going shopping with a list can change the whole vibe of the trip. You’ll no longer aimlessly seek inspiration; rather, you’ll have a specific mission and focus. That mindset can make you less susceptible to impulse purchases, which can wreck a budget.
- Apps, coupons and store brands, oh my! Deals and discounts are available if you know where to look. Mobile apps can help you find bargains. Online coupons or even the old-school paper ones can save you real money. And a willingness to forsake name brands for store brands or generics — or organic foods for nonorganics — can, too. These methods may require a little bit of legwork and searching, but they can have a real impact if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Methodology
Prices for dairy, eggs, fruit, meats (beef, chicken and pork), onions and potatoes, and vegetables are collected from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) weekly retail reports. Except where otherwise noted, reports are for the week ending on the last Friday of the previous month. For example, current prices for our Food Cost Report published in February 2025 are from the USDA retail report dated the last Friday in January, the one-month comparison is from the report dated the last Friday in December 2024, the three-month comparison is from the report dated the last Friday in October and the one-year comparison is from the report dated the last Friday of January in the prior calendar year.
Dry pantry items in our typical food basket are via the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) monthly “Average Retail Food and Energy Prices, U.S. City Average” report. Current prices for our Food Cost Report published in February are from the BLS report dated January, the one-month comparison is from the report dated December, the three-month comparison is from the report dated October and the one-year comparison is from the report dated January of the prior calendar year.
Some items may not be included in every USDA retail report. For our typical food basket, increases and decreases, we would use a nearby week’s report for the missing item or items.
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