Food costs have been volatile due to inflation, as evidenced by some cartons of pasture-raised eggs costing an outrageous $13.
And while the bright side is that egg prices are expected to drop, the USDA predicts several other grocery items will continue to be pricier this year.
According to the report, consumers can expect to pay about 2.9% more on average for groceries and restaurant meals. Eating out will become even more expensive, with restaurant prices predicted to rise by 3.6% – faster than we’ve seen in the last two decades.
On the other hand, grocery store prices are expected to increase by 2.4%, which is slower than their average rate of increase over the past 20 years.
President Donald Trump’s tariffs have raised prices on key imports — including coffee, tea, and cocoa; fish and seafood; fruits; and meat. According to a survey by the Center for American Progress, 76% of Americans say that groceries are the biggest expense.
Cow
America’s cattle herd has been shrinking in size since 2019, but that hasn’t changed people’s aspirations.
In fact, the demand for beef and veal is increasing in price – 6% this year alone. Experts warn that beef prices could remain “luxurious” until 2028, but it is not just premium cuts that are concerned. In stores across the country, shoppers are not only aware of higher prices but also shrinking portions.
“Ground beef for example has jumped from $5/lb to $6, to $7, and sometimes even more. I only buy it if I can find it on sale for $5/lb or less,” said one Reddit user.
Fish and seafood
Things are not going well for seafood lovers: fish is among the foods affected by the price increase.
While some types of fish can often be more expensive than their land-based counterparts, such as Dover sole, the overall increase is a combination of inflation and the supply chain.
“Seafood prices are shaped by a combination of global supply realities and ongoing operating costs,” Mark Frisch, executive vice president and owner of Florida-based Beaver Street Fisheries, told Fox News Digital.
Fresh vegetables
Labor shortages, fertilizer and energy costs, and weather disruptions have created a storm for rising prices of fresh vegetables. The USDA says prices rose 0.9% from February 2026 to March 2026 and were 7.5% higher in March 2026 than in March 2025.
“Usually in the spring, prices for fresh produce drop. But I’m seeing very high prices even at the cheapest grocery stores,” commented one Reddit user. “Like $3/lb broccoli, green beans, etc.”
Sugary foods
Sugar and candy prices decreased 1% from February 2026 to March 2026, but were 8.1% higher in March 2026 than in March 2025, the USDA said.
Prices rose mainly for sweets and chewing gum – which is, perhaps, good news for parents looking for reasons to avoid buying sweets for their children after school.
Non-alcoholic beverages
No, your bougie barista coffee is not expensive because of the delicious syrup and the good brand.
The fact that coffee prices are down 18.5% since last year, and rising costs are sending ripples throughout the non-alcoholic beverage market, according to a USDA report. Non-alcoholic beverages are predicted to increase by 5.2 percent by 2026.
“The increase in the price of coffee is crazy. It’s doubled in the last few years. $100 (a lot of beans) used to last two coffee drinkers in my house for 3+ months. Now it adds up to six weeks,” said a disgruntled but caffeinated shopper.
Some say it’s still affordable, just limited between on-brand and off-brand.
“Pop is affordable off brand but has a bad brand. Idgaf though I like Kroger brand root beer zero,” added one Reddit user.
Grains
Although the price is growing at a low rate according to the USDA, the overall cost of grain has increased in recent years due to production costs, raw ingredients such as oats or wheat, transportation costs, and, overall, a very competitive market.
As more people move away from artificial dyes or use gluten-free foods, manufacturers are passing on higher prices to consumers, according to Food Republic.
