Annual grocery food inflation still tops 10%, report says

With grocery food inflation still topping 10%, the mid-March Bureau of Labor Statistics report on consumer prices pegged overall year-over-year inflation at 6% in February.

Overall consumer prices increased 0.4% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, a slight decline from the 0.5% increase in January.

Higher costs for shelter contributed the most to inflation in February, according to the report, but higher prices for food, recreation and furnishing also contributed to higher prices.

While fruit and vegetable inflation is relatively tame compared to other food groups, the grocery food index rose 10.2% over the last 12 months, the report said. The consumer price index for cereals and bakery products rose 14.6% over the 12 months ending in February.

The remaining major grocery store food groups posted increases ranging from 5.3% (fruits and vegetables) to 12.4% (other food at home).

The index for restaurant food rose 8.4% over the last year, with the index for full-service meals rising 8% over the last 12 months, and the index for limited-service meals rose 7.2% over the same period. 

Here are the year-over-year inflation numbers for select categories:

• All items: 6%.
• Food: 9.5%.
• Food away from home: 8.4%.
• Full-service meals and snacks: 8%.
• Limited-service meals and snacks: 7.2%.
• Food at home: 10.2%.
• Eggs: 55.4%.
• Dairy: 12.3%.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables: 2.6%.
• Fresh fruits: 0.4%.
• Apples: 5.6%.
• Bananas: 4.6%.
• Citrus fruits: -1.2%.
• Oranges, including tangerines: -0.4%.
• Fresh vegetables: 5.3%.
• Potatoes:  13.5%.
• Lettuce: 10.4%.
• Tomatoes: 3.4%.