“Watch the Dramatic Price Fluctuations of your Favorite Groceries!”

It’s no secret that grocery prices keep climbing, and it can be hard to keep up. An analysis of grocery item prices from a major American chain during 2020 shows how prices for some of our favorite items have shifted.

The most notable shift in prices comes for meat. The data shows that the average price of ground beef skyrocketed by 18.7 percent from the start of the year to mid-September. That’s more than double the 8.1 percent increase in overall grocery prices during the same period. Chicken breasts, meanwhile, rose by 13.7 percent, and bacon increased even more sharply, with prices climbing by 16.3 percent.

Fruits and vegetables also saw significant price hikes. Celery came out on top, increasing by 11.5 percent, followed by bananas, which increased by 11.1 percent. Cauliflower jumped by 9.2 percent, and kale also saw a substantial increase, climbing by 7.2 percent.

Even basic staples that many households rely on have seen noticeable increases since the start of the year. Bread prices climbed by 10.7 percent, and eggs increased by 5 percent. Rice and potatoes also saw modest price hikes of 4.7 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively.

These price increases may be hard to swallow, but there are some cases where prices have fallen or stayed flat. The cost of milk declined by 0.3 percent, and frozen French fries saw nearly no change, decreasing by just 0.2 percent. Carrots and apples also remain close to their January rate, increasing by just 0.9 and 0.3 percent, respectively.

Overall these findings present a clear picture: the cost of food is going up in 2020. While there are some items that have remained steady, price hikes for staples like meat, bread, and vegetables are affecting how much Americans are spending on food. As the pandemic continues, it’s wise to keep an eye out for changes in prices so you can make sure you’re making the best decisions for your grocery budget.