Food inflation slowing but still above historical norms

Food prices also are expected to continue to decelerate but not decline in 2024, according to a new USDA report.

A box of fresh fruits and vegetables
A box of fresh fruits and vegetables
(Photo: buritora, Adobe Stock)

Food prices are expected to grow more slowly in 2023 than in 2022 but still at above-historical-average rates, according to a new USDA report.

In June, food prices were 5.7% higher than in June 2022.

Grocery food prices in June were 4.7% higher than June 2022, and restaurant food prices were 7.7% above June 2022.

In 2023, all food prices are predicted to increase 5.8%, the report said.

Grocery food prices are now forecast to increase 4.9% in 2023, while restaurant prices are predicted to climb 7.5%, according to the report.

“Food prices are expected to continue to decelerate but not decline in 2024,” the report said.

In 2024, all food prices are predicted to increase 2.4%, according to the report. Grocery food prices are predicted to grow by just 0.9% in 2024, while restaurant food prices are forecast to jump 6.1%, the report said.

Compared with 2022, retail prices for fresh fruits are predicted to increase 0.4% in 2023, while fresh vegetables are predicted to grow by 1.1%, according to the report.

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