Have Food Prices Changed Since 2017? Let’s Take a Closer Look
We’ve all felt it at the grocery store. You go in for a few things, and somehow… it adds up fast. But is this something new? Or have food prices been rising for a while?
Let’s explore how food prices have changed since 2017. We’ll look at some key numbers, talk about what caused prices to go up (or down), and help you understand what’s really going on.
And don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple.
🛒 Food Prices in 2017: Where It All Began
In January 2017, the average cost of groceries was much lower than it is today.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food at home in January 2017 was around 240. That number might not mean much on its own, but here’s the deal:
The CPI tracks how prices change over time. So, if the number goes up, it means prices are rising. If it goes down, that means prices are dropping.
In early 2017, food prices were pretty stable. In fact, they had been fairly steady for a few years.
📈 Fast Forward: What Happened Between 2017 and 2020?
From 2017 to early 2020, food prices did increase, but only a little bit.
Let’s break it down:
- In 2018, food-at-home prices went up by about 0.4%.
- In 2019, they rose by around 0.9%.
- In early 2020, right before the pandemic, prices started rising a bit faster.
So, yes—food got a bit more expensive, but not by much. Most people didn’t feel a big difference just yet.
😷 Then Came COVID-19
This is when everything changed.
In March 2020, the world was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grocery stores were packed. People were stocking up. Supply chains were strained.
And food prices? They jumped.
Here’s what happened:
- In 2020, food-at-home prices increased by 3.5%—a big jump compared to the years before.
- In 2021, prices went up even more—3.5% again.
- And in 2022, things really escalated, with food prices rising by a whopping 11.4%.
This was the biggest increase in food prices in over 40 years.
🛠️ Why Did Prices Rise So Much?
Good question! There were several reasons, and they all worked together.
1. Supply Chain Problems
When the pandemic hit, it became harder to move goods around the world. Factories closed. Trucking slowed. Even farmers had trouble getting products to stores.
2. Labor Shortages
Many food workers got sick or had to stay home. Fewer workers meant less food got processed and delivered.
3. Higher Costs for Fuel and Packaging
Gasoline prices went up. So did the cost of things like cardboard, plastic wrap, and cans. All of that made it more expensive to get food onto shelves.
4. Weather and Climate
Bad weather—including droughts and floods—hurt crops and livestock. Less food supply = higher prices.
🍞 What Got More Expensive?
Let’s look at a few everyday items and how much more they cost now compared to 2017.
| Food Item | 2017 Average | 2024 Average | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen) | $1.40 | $2.80–$3.30 | +100%+ |
| Bread (loaf) | $1.40 | $2.00–$2.50 | +40–80% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.30 | $4.30–$5.00 | +30–50% |
| Chicken (pound) | $1.60 | $2.60–$3.50 | +60–100% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.60 | $5.20–$6.00 | +45–70% |
As you can see, the prices of many staples have gone up a lot. And while some prices may fall a little, many are staying higher than before.
💸 What About Restaurant Prices?
It’s not just grocery stores.
Eating out has also gotten more expensive. From 2017 to 2024:
- Fast food prices rose by over 40%
- Full-service restaurants (like diners or sit-down places) went up by about 30–35%
Why? Again, it’s all about costs. Restaurants had to pay more for food, labor, rent, and supplies. So they raised their prices to survive.
📉 Have Prices Started to Go Back Down?
Here’s the good news: food price increases have slowed down in 2024.
The worst of the inflation spike seems to be over.
Experts say food prices will level off in 2025. That means they may not drop much, but they probably won’t rise as fast as they did in 2022 and 2023.
In some areas—like eggs, dairy, or chicken—we’re already seeing small price drops.
But don’t expect things to go back to 2017 levels. Most of the price increases are here to stay.
🧠 A Few Fun Facts
Let’s lighten things up with a few quick facts about food prices:
- Egg prices doubled in one year during 2022, mostly due to bird flu!
- The cheapest food in the U.S.? Dry beans, rice, and oats. Still true today!
- The U.S. spends less on groceries (as a % of income) than most countries in the world.
💬 What Can You Do?
If food prices feel high, you’re not alone. But there are ways to stretch your dollars:
- Buy in bulk (especially for pantry items).
- Plan meals to reduce waste.
- Watch for sales or join store loyalty programs.
- Cook more at home—it’s still cheaper than eating out.
A little planning can save you a lot over time.
🧾 So… Have Food Prices Changed Since 2017?
Yes, they definitely have.
Prices stayed mostly steady until 2020. Then the pandemic shook things up, and prices shot up quickly between 2020 and 2022.
Even now, prices remain higher than they were in 2017. But the good news is—they’re not rising as fast anymore.
It’s been a wild ride, but knowing the “why” behind it all can help us feel more in control.
❤️ Final Thoughts
We all feel the pinch of rising food prices. But understanding what’s driving these changes—and knowing how to shop smart—can make a big difference.
Whether you’re planning meals, budgeting for groceries, or just curious about what’s going on, remember this: you’re not alone. We’re all learning, adapting, and making the best of it together.
Here’s to smarter shopping, fuller fridges, and a little less stress at checkout!
We’ve all felt it at the grocery store. You go in for a few things, and somehow… it adds up fast. But is this something new? Or have food prices been rising for a while? Let’s explore how food prices have changed since 2017. We’ll look at some key numbers, talk about what caused prices…
We’ve all felt it at the grocery store. You go in for a few things, and somehow… it adds up fast. But is this something new? Or have food prices been rising for a while? Let’s explore how food prices have changed since 2017. We’ll look at some key numbers, talk about what caused prices…