U.S. Food Prices

BLS Consumer Price Index data for 17 food categories. Updated monthly. Latest data: Jan 2026

All Food Categories

About This Data

Food price data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) program. The CPI measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services.

CPI values are index numbers with a base period of 1982–84 = 100. A CPI of 300 means prices have roughly tripled since the base period. Year-over-year (YoY) change compares the current month to the same month one year prior.

We track 17 food categories covering Food at Home (groceries) and Food Away from Home (restaurants). Data is updated monthly as the BLS releases new figures, typically around the 10th of the following month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CPI for food?
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for food items over time. The BLS publishes monthly CPI data for 17 food categories. A higher CPI value means prices have risen relative to the base period (1982–84 = 100).
How often is food price data updated?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes food CPI data monthly, typically around the 10th of the following month. GetFoodFacts updates this data as soon as new figures are released.
What does a CPI of 300 mean?
CPI values use 1982–84 as the base period (= 100). A CPI of 300 means prices have roughly tripled since that base period. To calculate the percentage increase: ((300 − 100) / 100) × 100 = 200% increase.
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index. CPI base period: 1982–84 = 100.