Grocery Price Changes (2019–2026)
Track how grocery prices have changed since 2019. See price increases for eggs, ground beef, chicken, and more with BLS data.
Last updated: · Data through May–June 2026, depending on series
Grocery prices have been one of the most visible effects of inflation since 2019. From eggs to ground beef to bread, here's a data-driven look at what costs more, what's come down, and what's still climbing. See also Price of Groceries by Item, Inflation by Category, and 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%
The Biggest Price Increases
Eggs (+57% from the 2019 annual average through May 2026) and ground beef (+81% from the 2017 tracker baseline through June 2026) remain two of the largest grocery moves we track. Avian flu and shrinking cattle herds drove very different supply cycles.
Items That Have Fallen in Price
Not everything is more expensive. Chicken wings are actually cheaper than in 2019 (-28%), and some seasonal produce items have seen price relief as supply chains stabilized.
Overall Grocery Inflation
The BLS food-at-home index has risen approximately 25% since 2019. While the rate of increase has slowed from the 2022 peak, cumulative price levels remain elevated with no sign of returning to pre-pandemic norms.
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