This post was originally published on this site.
U.S. grocery shoppers may be breathing a small sigh of relief as certain food prices begin to soften after years of elevated inflation, but that relief is uneven.
While staples such as eggs and certain dairy products have recently fallen in price, other everyday items like coffee and produce continue to climb, complicating household budgets already stretched thin.
According to the latest consumer price data, inflation overall rose less than expected in January 2026, a sign that price pressures broadly may be cooling, but food costs remain a mixed bag for consumers.
In January, the U.S. consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.4% yearoveryear, slowing from December’s 2.7% increase. Lower gasoline prices and slower rent growth helped temper overall inflation, but many Americans still feel the pinch when filling their grocery carts.
Prices easing on some staples
Some categories that saw significant inflation over the last few years are finally showing price relief:
- Eggs: After reaching record highs in 2024 due to avian influenza and supply chain disruptions, egg prices have eased substantially in recent months. According to recent consumer reports, average national prices are now closer to prepandemic levels, offering welcome relief to families and restaurants alike.
- Milk and dairy: Some dairy products have also begun to moderate, as supply increases and lower feed costs have helped producers stabilize prices.
- Bread and bakery: While still higher than a few years ago, bread prices have not risen as sharply recently, and in some regions supermarkets are offering more competitive pricing.
Stillsoaring prices for key items
Despite those gains, many grocery categories continue to put pressure on household budgets:
- Coffee: Perhaps the most noticeable for many consumers, coffee beans and ground coffee remain stubbornly high. Weather issues in key growing regions like Brazil and Colombia, combined with logistical bottlenecks, have kept prices elevated. Some specialty brands have passed those costs directly to shoppers.
- Produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables are seeing mixed trends. Leafy greens and berries have been especially volatile, driven by seasonal factors and transportation costs.
- Meat: Beef and pork prices continue to sit at high levels, partly due to ongoing drought in cattleraising regions and higher feed costs that are slowly being passed down to consumers.
What’s driving the differences
Economists say the diverging trends reflect both supply and demand factors. Some categories where production has rebounded, like eggs, are seeing real price corrections.
Others remain constrained by external pressures, such as weather, trade issues, and longer supply chains.
“Not all food prices are created equal,” said one food economist. “We’re seeing prices normalize in sectors where supply shortages have eased. But for products connected to global markets, think coffee or meat, price pressures remain.”
Consumer behavior is also shifting. With inflation slowing in many sectors, shoppers are increasingly sensitive to prices and may be buying differently, resulting in changing demand patterns that can influence supermarket pricing strategies.
What consumers can do
To manage ongoing price volatility, experts suggest:
- Compare prices: Shop around between bigbox retailers, discount grocers, and local markets.
- Buy seasonal produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables tend to be cheaper and fresher.
- Look for sales and loyalty programs: Coupons and store loyalty deals can trim costs on staples.
While some grocery prices are easing, others continue to climb, reminding consumers that inflation’s impact remains uneven. Households may see some relief at the checkout lane, but for many everyday essentials, the price of putting food on the table is still a concern.