The USDA’s latest Food Price report reveals that food prices in December 2021 were up 6.3% higher than in December 2020.
The USDA said restaurant food prices moved up 0.6% higher in December, with restaurant prices up 6% compared with December 2020.
Grocery food prices rose 0.4% in December and are up 6.5% compared with December 2020.
For the calendar year 2021, the USDA said grocery prices increased 3.5% and restaurant prices rose 4.5%.
Of all the grocery price categories tracked by the USDA, the beef and veal category had the largest relative price increase (9.3%) and the fresh vegetables category the smallest (1.1%).
For 2022, the USDA projects grocery prices will increase between 1.5% and 2.5%, while restaurant food prices will increase between 3.5% and 4.5%.
