Grocery Inflation: How Much More You Pay for Food (2019–2026)
Track grocery inflation in 2026. See how prices for eggs, ground beef, chicken, and other staples have changed since 2019 with BLS data.
Last updated: · Data through May–June 2026, depending on series
Grocery prices have surged since 2019, with the BLS food-at-home index up roughly 27%. But the experience varies widely by item — eggs are up about 57% using the latest published average-price reading, while chicken wings remain below their 2019 annual level. This page aggregates our grocery inflation data, charts, statistics, and analysis. See our Grocery Price Changes and Price of Groceries by Item pages for detailed breakdowns, and compare with Wages vs Inflation.
The Egg Index: 2015–2026
Average price per dozen, Grade A Large Eggs (U.S. City Average)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (FRED series APU0000708111)keepingupwithinflation.com
Then (2019)
$1.40
Now (2026)
$2.19
Change
+56%
The Ground Beef Index: 2015–2026
Average retail price per pound, 100% ground beef (U.S. City Average)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (FRED series APU0000703112)keepingupwithinflation.com
Then (2017)
$3.77/lb
Now (2026)
$6.89/lb
Change
+83%
The Chicken Wing Index: 2015–2025
Wholesale chicken wing composite price per pound (FOB plant)
Source: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, industry reportskeepingupwithinflation.com
Then (2019)
$1.53/lb
Now (2025)
$1.10/lb
Change
-28%
Key Grocery Price Changes
Eggs: $1.40 (2019 annual average) to $2.19 (May 2026) — +57%. Ground beef: $3.77 (2017) to $6.83 (June 2026) — +81%. Chicken wings: $1.53 (2019) to $1.10 (2025 annual average) — -28%. The food-at-home CPI was about 27% above January 2019 in June 2026.
Why Grocery Prices Rose
Supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, avian influenza devastating egg production, drought shrinking cattle herds, labor shortages at processing plants, and higher transportation costs all contributed to persistent grocery inflation.
Will Grocery Prices Come Down?
Some items (eggs, chicken wings) have shown they can correct when supply recovers. But ground beef, dairy, and many staples are unlikely to return to 2019 levels. The structural costs — labor, energy, feed — have permanently reset higher.
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