10/03/2026
Food inflation may be slowing, but USDA says that consumer costs still depend on what they are buying and where they are eating.
USDA expects overall food prices to rise 2.9% this year, close to the 20 year average.
Grocery prices are forecast to rise 2.4%, while restaurant prices climb 3.5%.
However, there are big differences inside the grocery cart with beef and veal, fresh vegetables, and seafood are expected to outpace overall food inflation.