> December grocery prices rose at the fastest pace in years

Grocery prices rose at the fastest pace in three years, keeping pressure on household budgets.

Why it matters: The jump in costs highlights the challenge for the White House in the lead-up to midterm elections. Broad inflation relief is little consolation for Americans if they aren't seeing it reflected in grocery bills.

By the numbers: Grocery prices (or "food at home," as the Bureau of Labor Statistics calls it) rose by 0.7% in December, the largest monthly gain since the peak inflation period in August 2022.

Food inflation was evident at restaurants, too: Costs for dining out (or "food away from home") rose by a similar amount, the largest monthly gain in three years.

Consumers have experienced double-digit price increases for a slew of household staples over the past 12 months, including coffee (+20%), beef (+16%) and candy (+10%).


https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/inflat … ery-prices