Why Is Food So Expensive?
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1. The receipt
Groceries cost about a quarter more than they did in 2020. And prices almost never go back down.
2. Uneven
This year, food prices overall are rising more slowly, about 2 to 3%. But some foods are jumping.
3. Beef
Beef is up about 9%, because America has its fewest cattle in decades.
4. Veg and coffee
Fresh vegetables are up nearly 7%, and coffee costs more too.
5. Diesel
Almost all food travels by truck, and this year's oil shock made every delivery cost more.
6. Tariffs
Tariffs added costs too, like on the steel in canned food, though some have since been lifted.
7. Eggs
The good news: eggs are down nearly 30% this year, after bird flu outbreaks eased.
8. What next
USDA expects food prices to rise only about 2% in 2027.
Prices rarely fall, but slower rises give paychecks time to catch up.