Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
Prices a year ago — I'll pull the latest inflation data to check.
No — on average, prices in stores are still higher than a year ago, not lower. Inflation has slowed from its peak, but it is still positive, which means prices are still rising year-over-year.
> The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index increased 3.4% in August from year-ago levels
> CPI increased 3.4% year over year after the same 3.4% rate the prior month
Core CPI (excludes food and energy) was also still up:
> Core CPI rose 2.4% from year-ago levels after it rose 2.5% in July
> The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the food-at-home CPI-U ... was 2.2% higher than August 2025 on a not seasonally adjusted 12-month comparison
Other reports put it similarly:
> Grocery prices were already 2.7 percent higher in July 2026 than in July 2025
> Beef and veal were up 9.4 percent
> BLS ... show flat food-at-home inflation for August and a 2.2% increase over the last 12 months
> | Category | 12-month percent change, Aug 2026 | ... | Food | 2.7% | ... | Food at home | 2.2% |
The month-to-month change was flat in August - grocery prices were unchanged for the month - but flat for one month does not erase the 2%+ year-over-year increase.
A lower rate of inflation does not mean prices fell, just that they are rising more slowly.
Exceptions at specific retailers or items:
> Nearly one-third of Aldi's everyday in-store assortment is now priced lower than last year, excluding seasonal or limited-time items, according to the company
The chain said reductions run September 23 through at least November 3 and highlighted Honeycrisp apples at $1.99 for a two-pound bag, 35% below last year.
Some USDA forecasts also expected temporary deflation in specific categories like eggs and dairy - by 22.2% and 0.9% respectively - but overall grocery baskets remain more expensive than a year ago.
Citations (3)
- August CPI Report Shows Inflation at a 3.4% Annual Rate, Above Forecasts
Backs: “Inflation has slowed from its peak, but it is still positive, which means prices are still rising year-over-year. National Consumer Price Index: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index increased 3.4% in August from year-ago levels”
- Grocery prices aren’t done climbing. DC has slashed the safety net and broken the measuring stick.
Backs: “was 2.2% higher than August 2025 on a not seasonally adjusted 12-month comparison. Other reports put it similarly: Grocery prices were already 2.7 percent higher in July 2026 than in July 2025”
- Aldi Cutting Fall Grocery Prices, Says $86,000,000 In Shopper Savings Incoming
Backs: “A lower rate of inflation does not mean prices fell, just that they are rising more slowly. Exceptions at specific retailers or items: Nearly one-third of Aldi's everyday in-store assortment is now priced lower than last year, excluding seasonal or limited-time items, according to the company”