Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
Overall Answer: No, Prices Are Still Higher Than a Year Ago — But It's a Mixed Picture
Overall inflation remains positive. The annual inflation rate in the United States was 3.4% for the 12 months ending August, the same as in July, according to U.S. Labor Department data released September 11, 2026. This means that, on average, prices across the economy are higher — not lower — than a year ago.
Grocery prices specifically:
The CPI for all food increased 0.1 percent from July 2026 to August 2026, and food prices in August 2026 were 2.7 percent higher than in August 2025. Similarly, the U.S. food-at-home price index was unchanged in August 2026 and stood 2.2% above its August 2025 level, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But some items ARE cheaper:
Other items are notably more expensive:
Looking ahead: USDA's August Food Price Outlook projects food-at-home prices will rise 2.5% on average for the year compared with 2025, meaning there's no broad expectation that grocery prices overall will fall back to previous levels anytime soon.
Bottom line: While a handful of specific items (like eggs, lettuce, and some dairy) have gotten cheaper compared to last year, overall prices in stores — both for groceries and the broader economy — remain higher than they were a year ago, just rising more slowly than during the peak inflation years.
Citations (9)
- Current U.S. Inflation Rates: 2000-2026
Source excerpt: “Home Inflation and Prices Current U.S. Inflation Rates (2000-2026) The annual inflation rate in the United States was 3.4% for the 12 months ending Au...”
- Food Price Outlook - Summary Findings | Economic Research Service
Source excerpt: “The CPI for all food increased 0.1 percent from July 2026 to August 2026. Food prices in August 2026 were 2.7 percent higher ... ”
- Are Groceries Getting Cheaper? Why Your Bill May Say Otherwise - Food Trade News & Food World
Source excerpt: “The U.S. food-at-home price index was unchanged in August 2026 and stood 2.2% above its August 2025 level, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics...”
- Are Groceries Getting Cheaper? Why Your Bill May Say Otherwise - Food Trade News & Food World
Source excerpt: “In August, the national food-at-home index did not change from July. Fruit and vegetable prices fell 0.4% for the month, including a 6.2% decline in l...”
- Are Groceries Getting Cheaper? Why Your Bill May Say Otherwise - Food Trade News & Food World
Source excerpt: “Over the preceding 12 months, dairy prices were down 0.3%, but fruits and vegetables were up 3.2% and nonalcoholic beverages were up 3.7%. ”
- Costs appear to be down compared to a year ago for food staples in Twin Cities
Source excerpt: “On average, eggs are down from $5.45 in January 2025 to $2.05 in January 2026. Chicken is down from $8.85 to $6.91. ”
- Some Grocery Prices Are Finally Going Down — Here’s What’s Getting Cheaper - Better Report
Source excerpt: “According to the latest BLS data, the cost of tomatoes is up 12.8% year over year, while apples cost 11% more in July 2026 than they did in July 2025....”
- Some Grocery Prices Are Finally Going Down — Here’s What’s Getting Cheaper - Better Report
Source excerpt: “Beef roasts (up 13.5%), steaks (+9.6%), and ground beef (+9%) all posted increases over the past year. ”
- Are Groceries Getting Cheaper? Why Your Bill May Say Otherwise - Food Trade News & Food World
Source excerpt: “Its August Food Price Outlook projects food-at-home prices will rise 2.5% on average for the year compared with 2025. ”