As has been predicted, some foods will see their prices rise primarily due to inflation. Just as consumers and retailers have seen price increases for certain products due to tariffs, citizens will now notice this in their shopping carts. This fall, foods such as chocolate, coffee, meat, and dairy products will be among the 10 foods with the highest price increases in the US.
The current economy is in an almost unprecedented moment for many
According to official data, factors such as extreme weather, tariffs, and global inflation are behind this new wave of price increases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices reached their highest level in three years. The current economy, not only in the country but also globally, is in an almost unprecedented moment for many. In a time of complex international relations, tariffs, and commercial interests, this situation is affecting our streets and our homes. Although some products were already showing signs of rising prices since the summer, experts warn that the impact will be more evident in the coming months, especially in the fall and winter.
Speaking of data, the Consumer Price Index rose 0.2% in August, bringing annual inflation to 2.9%. Although headline inflation has declined from its peak of 9.1% in 2022, food remains a burden. Among the foods that will see the price change most noticeable is chocolate. The cocoa shortage in West Africa has caused companies like Hershey to raise their prices by 26%. This is something that will affect cocoa in general and will continue for several months.
25% tariff applied to aluminum cans increases production costs in the United States
There’s also talk of products like coffee and beer. The beverage that accompanies Americans’ mornings has risen 9.8% in just five months, up 3.6% in just one month. Droughts in Brazil reduced production by between 3% and 6% compared to last year, and tariffs on producing countries like Indonesia and Vietnam are further pressuring costs. This is all taking into account that quality coffee requires time and good harvests to maintain its quality. As for beer, we must remember that since April, imported beer has been subject to a 10% tariff, to which a 20% tariff is added for the European Union and a 24% tariff for Japan. In addition, we must add the fact that the 25% tariff applied to aluminum cans increases production costs in the United States, where 60% of beer is sold in cans. Therefore, these prices will also be felt in the pockets of consumers of these products.
As noted above, since 2022, food prices have increased by 17.8%. These increases continue to be felt in items such as soft drinks. The Department of Agriculture forecasts a 3.6% increase in the cost of soft drinks, bottled water, and ready-to-drink teas. Aluminum is the main culprit, but Coca-Cola’s decision to launch a version with cane sugar this fall, which is more expensive than the one sweetened with corn syrup, also plays a role. Here we can note that, for example, a grocery bill that cost US$100 in 2022 now costs US$117.78. This represents an increase of almost US$18 for a regular purchase.
Of particular concern are increases in more basic foodstuffs like eggs, which reached $6.23 in March 2025, the highest since 2022. This led 11 million households to raise chickens at home, according to AXIOS. Meanwhile, the price of meat will rise 9.9% this year. In just one summer month, prices rose 2.5%. A pound of white rice costs $1.06, 23 cents more than in 2022. Whole milk costs 4.5% more than a year ago, with an increase of 13 cents per gallon in a single month. And white bread, another staple, rose 28 cents per pound. These increases, although seemingly small, accumulate week after week and make the price increase felt strongly by families at the end of the month.
