The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released figures for the March 2023 Consumer Price Index, reporting an 8.5 percent increase over the last 12 months in food categorized as “at home,” distinct from “food away from home,” such as restaurants. A summary of the increases is below.
The five foods with the biggest increases over the last year have been eggs (up 36 percent), margarine (up 33 percent), frozen vegetables (up 20 percent), flour and prepared flour mixes (up 17.5 percent), and bread (up 15 percent). Uncooked beef roasts, bacon and citrus fruits were among just a handful of items whose prices are lower than 12 months ago, down 4.4 percent, 5.5 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively.
The Conejo Guardian created a grocery basket of basic items, as categorized by the BLS. Prices in the chart below reflect current prices at local supermarket chain stores for the week of April 19-25, 2023.
