Comparing Grocery Costs for Americans: 10 Years Ago vs Today
- - Comparing Grocery Costs for Americans: 10 Years Ago vs Today
Owen ChaseJanuary 10, 2026 at 2:07 AM
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Grocery shopping today doesn't feel the same as it did a decade ago, and the difference is evident well beyond the final total. Everyday staples cost more, often for reasons shoppers never see while walking the aisles. Weather disruptions, disease outbreaks, higher wages, and global trade decisions have all shaped what ends up on shelves and how much it costs.
By looking at how common grocery items have changed in cost, it’s easier to understand what’s driving today’s food prices, and where they might head next.
Eggs
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Back in 2015, a dozen eggs averaged $2.66. A severe avian flu outbreak in early 2025 drastically cut the egg supply, which pushed prices over $6 at their peak. While they’ve cooled to around $3.88, that’s still well above where they started, especially for something once considered reliably cheap protein.
Milk
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A gallon of milk that cost $3.30 in 2015 now runs closer to $4.13. This jump reflects more than just inflation. Feed prices increased, labor became more challenging to secure in dairy regions, and transporting milk across the country became more expensive due to shifts in fuel and transportation costs.
Bacon
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Sliced bacon sold for $5.90 a pound in 2015. By 2025, it edged up to $7.29. The rise is tied to higher feed prices, health challenges in hog herds, and worker shortages at processing plants. International demand also plays a role, which pulled U.S. supply into global markets.
Bananas
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Bananas went from $0.58 per pound in 2015 to $0.67 by 2025. While the change appears small, they saw a 5.4% increase just between April and October 2025. Price changes likely reflect transportation and supply chain costs rather than direct trade penalties.
Coffee
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That daily cup now costs a bit more to brew. In 2015, ground coffee averaged $4.60 per pound. As of 2025, the cost is $9.14. Droughts hit top-producing countries hard, shrinking harvests. At the same time, trade policy made importing pricier, and demand didn’t slow down.
Bread
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White bread cost $1.41 per pound in 2015 and now sits around $1.79. It briefly topped $2 during the 2023 supply crunch. Prices dropped slightly after fuel markets calmed, but higher costs for flour, labor, and trucking keep this basic item pricier than before.
Flour
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A 5-pound bag of all-purpose flour cost $2.07 in 2013. By 2022, the price increased to $2.98. The 44% rise reflects higher wheat prices and processing expenses. Flour is a primary ingredient in many foods, making this a significant shift.
Ground Beef
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In 2013, ground beef cost $3.32 per pound. By 2022, it was $4.87. Supply chain pressure, dry spells in cattle-heavy states, and disruptions in meatpacking drove much of the increase. The price reflects more than just meat. It includes feed, labor, water, and fuel all packed into one product.
Peanut Butter
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It’s shelf-stable and a household standby, but peanut butter hasn’t escaped inflation. From $2.26 per pound in 2013 to $3.31 in 2022, the price hike reflects rising costs in peanuts, packaging, and production. It’s a small jump that adds up for families that buy it often.
Apples
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Red Delicious apples were $1.23 per pound in 2013. In 2022, they averaged $1.57 per month. The price rise reflects multiple cost factors: more expensive seasonal labor, higher fertilizer and pesticide prices, and long-distance distribution from states like Washington. Even hardy fruit isn’t immune to shifting market forces.
Source: “AOL Money”
