The Consumer Price Index for food, a marker of food inflation, rose 0.2 percent in September, the same increase as in August and July, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The consumer price index measures consumer goods prices tracked over time.
The persistent stagnation, however, does not tell the full story, as food away from home increased by 0.4 percent in September, up by 0.1 percentage points from August’s value, while food at home declined by 0.1 percentage points in September compared to August, ending at 0.1 percent.
Three of the top six grocery store food groups experienced price increases over September.
“The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 0.5 percent in September as the index for pork increased 1.6 percent,” shared the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report. “The index for other food at home increased 0.3 percent over the month and the index for dairy and related products rose 0.1 percent.”
Surprisingly, for the first time since June 2021, the index for cereals and bakery products decreased for the first time in September, by 0.2 percent. Both the fruits and vegetables index and the nonalcoholic beverages index held steady for the month, helping to keep down food inflation overall.
For urban consumers, the Consumer Price Index value in general rose 0.4 percent in September, seasonally adjusted, after increasing by 0.6 percent in August.
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