United States grocery inflation fell to 1 point 8 percent in September

United States grocery inflation slowed to 1 point 8 percent year on year in September 2026, down from 2 point 2 percent in August, Grocery Trade News reported citing data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Food-at-home prices fell by 0 point 1 percent during the month of September. [1]

Price trends varied across individual supermarket categories according to Grocery Trade News. Dairy prices experienced the largest monthly drop among the six primary food-at-home categories, falling 0 point 9 percent. Milk prices dropped 2 point 0 percent in September, bringing the broader dairy sector to 0 point 7 percent cheaper than one year prior. [1]

Prices for meat, poultry, fish, and eggs decreased by 0 point 5 percent overall during the month, which included a 1 point 0 percent decline in certain protein categories, Grocery Trade News reported. However, beverage and fresh produce items became more expensive in September, offsetting some of the drops in dairy and meat. [1]

Away-from-home food costs remained higher than retail grocery prices. Grocery Trade News reported that restaurant inflation held at 3 point 5 percent over the 12-month period ending in September. [1]