Grocery beef prices dropped in August for the second month in a row, while the cost of other meats rose in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest consumer inflation update.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) gained 0.4%, leaving overall prices little changed over the last three months. The index is 3.4% higher since Aug. 2025, with most of the increase having occurred during March-May.

All monthly data is seasonally adjusted, while 12-month figures are unadjusted.

Energy commodities, which groups gasoline and fuel oils, jumped 4.2% in August after sharp declines in June and July, and is up 28% over the last 12 months, almost all of the increase coming in the last six months amid war with Iran.

The overall food index rose 0.1% in August, with food inflation very modest over the last four months. Food prices are 2.7% higher than a year ago.

Prices were unchanged last month for food-at-home — which equates to all groceries, the largest component of consumer food prices. Food-at-home prices have risen very minimally over the last four months and are 2.2% higher since Aug. 2025.

Food-away-from-home, including dine in, takeout and delivery food service, rose 0.3% in August, putting it 3.4% higher over the last 12 months.

Meats overall fell 0.2% last month for a second straight monthly decline, driven by the drop in beef, which makes up 55% of the meats index.

The Beef and veal category fell 1% in August following July’s 0.8% dip. Beef remains 5.9% more expensive over the last 12 months. Within the category:

The price of uncooked ground beef was unchanged last month but remains 7.2% above the year-ago level.
The price of uncooked beef roasts fell 1.7% in August but remain 8.4% higher over the last 12 months.
Prices for uncooked beef steaks dropped 1.5% last month but remain 4% higher than in August 2025.
Uncooked other beef and veal prices rose 1.1% last month and are now 4.4% higher from a year ago.

Pork prices rose 0.4% in August and are now 0.6% above the year-ago level. Within the category:

Bacon and related products rose 0.4% in August but remain 3.4% lower over the last 12 months.
Prices for breakfast sausage and related products slipped 0.1% last month and are 0.1% lower compared to a year ago.
Ham prices fell 1.4% in August but remain 4.2% higher over the last 12 months.
Prices for pork chops were unchanged last month and are 1.9% higher than in August 2025.
Other pork including roasts, steaks, and ribs jumped 2.6% in August and are now 1% above the year-ago level.

Prices for frankfurters were unchanged in August but remain 5.3% higher for the last 12 months. Lunchmeat prices rose 0.3% last month and are now 1% higher over the last year.

Chicken prices rose 0.4% in August but remain 2.3% lower than a year earlier. Within the category:

Fresh whole chicken prices fell 0.5% last month and are 3% lower over the last year.
Fresh and frozen chicken parts were 0.3% higher in August but remain 2.3% below the year-ago level.

Prices for other uncooked poultry including turkey rose 0.8% last month and are now 11.5% higher for the last 12 months.