Food inflation up 3.1% in February, beef prices higher
by March 11, 2026 5:54 pm 671 views
Grocery prices as measured by the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI) ticked up slightly in February from the previous month and was 3.1% higher than a year ago, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported Wednesday (March 11).
The CPI for all consumer products was up 2.4% in February. The CPI report did not include energy price changes that followed the U.S. and Israeli strike on Iran. The index for all items excluding food and energy was up 2.5%.
Cereals and bakery product prices, along with fruits and vegetable prices, increased 2.7% year over year. Dairy prices were basically flat compared to the same month in 2025. The second biggest price increases were in non-alcoholic beverages that jumped 5.6% year over year.
Despite a 42.1% drop in egg prices, the meats, poultry, fish, and eggs index rose 0.4% over the past year. Meat prices were up 8.6% from a year ago, led by the rising cost of beef cuts.
Over the past year, beef and veal prices jumped 14.4% as the national cattle herd remains at its lowest level in 40 years. The decline in supply has caused ground beef prices to rise 15.2% over the past year. Roast cuts of beef are 12.4% more expensive than a year ago. Steak prices soared 16.3% higher year over year, while other beef cuts were 9.4% more expensive.
Chicken prices overall are just slightly more expensive year over year. Fresh whole chicken prices rose 0.9%, fresh and frozen chicken parts prices were up 0.8%, and other chicken and turkey prices rose 8.9% over the past year.
Pork prices also increased year over year. Bacon prices were up 4.5%, breakfast sausage inched up 0.6%, while ham prices rose 4.2% from the same month in 2025. Pork chop prices were 2.4% more expensive than a year ago, while ribs, pork steak and roast cuts were slightly cheaper. Prices for frankfurters are up 4% year over year, and deli lunchmeat prices are 4.9% cheaper than a year ago, according to the CPI.
Fish and seafood prices were 5.1% higher on average than a year ago. Fresh varieties were up 4.9%, and frozen fish and seafood prices rose 8.1% year over year.