The Consumer Price Index for food at home was unchanged from July to August, compared with an overall CPI gain of 0.4% for all goods, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday.
For the 12-month period through August, grocery-price inflation was up 2.2%, compared with 3.4% inflation overall, driven largely by energy price increases.
The index for lettuce, which saw a sharp decline in consumption after a cyclosporiasis outbreak earlier this summer, was down 6.2% for August, following a 16.4% decline in July. That contributed to a 0.7% decline for fresh fruits and vegetables overall for the month.
Most of the other major grocery categories were up slightly in August. The index for eggs was up 2.9% on a seasonally adjusted basis for the month, helping drive a 0.1% gain for the meat, poultry, fish and eggs category. Dairy and related products were up 0.3%, nonalcoholic beverages were up 0.2% and other food at home was up 0.1%. The index for cereals and bakery products was flat.
For the 12-month span, the index for several products remained elevated, notably beef and veal, which was up 5.9% compared with a year ago. Uncooked ground beef was up 7.2% over the last 12 months, and uncooked beef roasts were up 8.4%.
The index for fish and seafood was up 6.5% relative to a year ago, including 6.3% for fresh fish and seafood and 8.2% for frozen fish and seafood.
The index for food away from home was up 0.3% in August and 3.4% for the past 12 months, primarily driven by increases at full-service restaurants.
Energy costs were largely to blame for the overall CPI increase, including a 10.1% increase in the index for fuel oil in August. The 12-month index was up 52% over year-ago levels. Motor fuel was up 4.1% in August and 27.9% for the 12-month span.
Airline fares were up 2.7% in August and 23.4% for the past 12 months. Other categories contributing to ongoing inflation over the last 12 months included recreation (up 2.7%), Medical care (up 1.6%) and personal care (up 3.6%).