Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Answering whether store prices have fallen versus a year ago — I'll check the latest inflation and price data.

No - in stores overall prices are still higher than a year ago, though the rate of increase has slowed.

•Overall inflation: The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 3.7 percent before seasonal adjustment over the 12 months ending September 2026, a larger increase than the 3.4 percent increase reported for the 12 months ending in August. The food index increased 2.5 percent over the last year.

•Grocery / Food-at-home (food purchased in stores):

•Food-at-home prices were 1.8% higher than in September 2025 and fell 0.1% from August, according to BLS. The Bureau also reported food at home fell 0.1 percent in September while food was unchanged in September, as the index for food away from home increased 0.2 percent and the index for food at home fell 0.1 percent.

•In August, food-at-home prices were unchanged in August but were 2.2% higher than a year ago.

•Another measure, Numerator's Consumer Goods Price Index, found prices for everyday goods are up 2.2% versus a year ago.

> Grocery prices rose 1.8% in the year ending in September while prices at restaurants climbed 3.5%. The same report notes food-at-home prices slipped 0.1% from August to September and still sit higher than a year ago.

> Grocery prices fell 0.1 percent in September while overall inflation climbed. Food-at-home prices are up 1.8 percent from a year ago.

That means month-over-month store prices dipped slightly in September, but year-over-year they are still up about 1.8-2.2% - not lower.

Price changes are uneven within the grocery store:

•Cheaper than a year ago: The detailed BLS tables show egg prices were down 20.6% from a year earlier. In August, egg prices declined 23.0% while dairy and related product prices were 0.3% lower than a year ago. The dairy and related products index fell 0.7 percent over the year in September.

•More expensive: The index for nonalcoholic beverages increased 3.8 percent over the 12 months ending in September, fruits and vegetables increased 3.7 percent, beef and veal prices increased 5.9%, and cereals and bakery products rose 2.1 percent.

In longer context, grocery prices in September 2026 were about 31.8% higher than in February 2020, so a 1.8% annual rise builds on earlier large increases.

Citations (3)

1bls.govGovernment
Consumer Price Index - September 2026
Backs: “Answering whether store prices have fallen versus a year ago — I'll check the latest inflation and price data. No - in stores overall prices are still higher than a year ago, though the rate of increase has slowed. Overall inflation: The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 3.7 percent before…”
2foodworldnews.comNews and media
Grocery Inflation Slows to 1.8% While Restaurant Prices Climb 3.5%: What the Gap Means for Your Food Budget
Backs: “That means month-over-month store prices dipped slightly in September, but year-over-year they are still up about 1.8-2.2% - not lower. Price changes are uneven within the grocery store:”
3illinois.eduAcademic
Food Inflation and the Outlook for Beef Prices
Backs: “Price changes are uneven within the grocery store: Cheaper than a year ago: The detailed BLS tables show egg prices were down 20.6% from a year earlier.”