BLS releases CPI with recent food data 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday released the latest Consumer Price Index, but it did not include recent data on food due to the government shutdown. 

BLS said the CPI overall rose 2.7% from the same time last year, slightly less than the previous 3% pace.

The index for food increased 2.6% over the last year, but the numbers varied by food product. The index for food at home rose 1.9% over the 12 months ending in November. The meats, poultry, fish and eggs index rose 4.7% over the last 12 months.

The index for nonalcoholic beverages increased 4.3% over the same period and the index for other food at home rose 1.3%. The cereals and bakery products index increased 1.9% over the 12 months ending in November and the fruits and vegetables index rose 0.1% over the year.

In contrast, the index for dairy and related products decreased 1.6% over the same period. The food away from home index rose 3.7% over the last year. The index for full service meals rose 4.3% and the index for limited service meals rose 3% over the same period.

Andy Harig, vice president of tax, trade, sustainability and policy development of FMI — The Food Industry Association, said “The CPI numbers released today underscore the continued challenges grocery shoppers must navigate to get the most out of their grocery dollar.”

“Nevertheless, they remain resilient and savvy in the face of these challenges,” Harig said.

“FMI’s December U.S. Grocer Shopper Snapshot survey shows a large majority of shoppers (70%) tell us they agree that grocers try hard to provide them with options to help them stay within their grocery budget. Importantly, most shoppers feel empowered with choices, as 77% say they have control over their grocery spending.

“However, it is important to acknowledge the ongoing frustration shoppers feel regarding the affordability of the food and household goods they rely on, with only 55% saying groceries are affordable.

“Today’s CPI numbers show that while categories like proteins continue to outpace top-line inflation, there are still silver linings in the data. The index for fruits and vegetables stayed essentially flat at 0.1% and prices for dairy and related products actually decreased by 1.6% over the past 12 months,” Harig said.

“The outlook for 2026 may be uncertain, but grocers and their supplier partners remain committed to supporting shoppers in managing their budgets through promotions, coupons, private label brands, an assortment of package sizes, and more.”