Food Buddy Bites
Your Weekly Food Price Intelligence Report
Edition #4 Β· Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Good News for Your Grocery Bill: US Food Inflation Cools, But Keep an Eye on Produce Prices!
Price Watch
Good news, Food Buddies! The latest reports show that overall grocery prices are cooling down here in the US, even though general inflation is up due to energy costs. This is a welcome change for our wallets!
However, we’re seeing a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall trend is positive, US food inflation still rose 3.1% in May 2026. The biggest culprits? Fruits and vegetables. These fresh favorites are getting pricier, outpacing other food categories. So, while your pantry staples might be holding steady, you might notice your fresh produce bill inching up.
This cooling trend in Western grocery inflation is a stark contrast to some other parts of the world, where food costs are reaching critical highs. Itβs a good reminder that while weβre seeing some relief, staying smart about our shopping is always key.
Supply Alerts
This week, the news doesn’t highlight any major widespread supply chain disruptions or shortages for common grocery items in the US. This is fantastic news, as stable supply usually means more consistent prices!
The focus has been more on price movements rather than availability issues. This suggests that shelves should be well-stocked, giving us plenty of options to choose from. No need to panic buy any particular item this week!
Save More This Week
Shop Smart for Produce: Since fruits and vegetables are getting pricier, focus on what’s in season and on sale. Check your local flyers for deals on berries, corn, or other summer produce. Consider frozen options for out-of-season items like peas or spinach β they’re often cheaper and just as nutritious!
Plan Your Meals: With overall food inflation cooling, planning your meals around sales is more effective than ever. Look at what proteins or pantry staples are discounted and build your week’s menu from there. This helps you avoid impulse buys on more expensive items.
Buy in Bulk (Wisely): If you have access to a warehouse club like Costco, and you’re seeing prices soar in your area (like in Seattle, according to one report!), it might be a good time to stock up on non-perishables or items you use frequently. Just make sure you’ll actually use them before they expire!
Super Simple Black Bean Tostadas
Calves’ Foot Jelly
“A wobbly, savory-sweet treat that’s surprisingly good for you (they said)!”
Weird Factor: 7/10 β Intriguing but definitely not for everyone- Grocery prices cool as overall inflation jumps on energy spike – FoodNavigator-USA.com
- US Food Inflation Rises 3.1% in May 2026 – Grocery Trade News
- May food inflation outpace overall inflation as fruits and vegetables get pricier – CityNews Halifax
- While Western grocery inflation cools, food costs reach critical highs in some emerging economies – Investigate Midwest
- Food prices are soaring in Seattle. Could Costco offer a solution? – KUOW
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