Grocery prices comparison: Inflation at its worst vs today

Annual inflation cooled to 3.1% last month, but that’s still hotter than expected, and rising food prices are part of the reason why.

From December to January, grocery prices accelerated 0.4%, up from 0.1% the month prior, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) released Tuesday.

Compared to a year ago food inflation has improved. Grocery prices are up 1.2% year-over-year, the slowest annual rate since June 2021 and well below the 13.5% surge in August 2022.

Data suggests Americans’ pain at the checkout varies based on their shopping cart. Prices for staples like eggs,...