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U.S. Department of Agriculture

Food prices are going up: Here are items predicted to cost a whole lot more at grocery stores

After the United States saw record gas prices last month, consumers can also expect to pay more at the grocery store and dining out as food costs are expected to rise, the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts. 

The USDA's Food Price Outlook 2022, the agency's Consumer Price Index for food which measures inflation, is up 7.9% from February 2021, the largest increase since May 1981.

In total, food prices at grocery stores and supermarkets are expected to increase 3%-4% this year after already seeing a 6.8% jump from January 2021. Restaurant purchases are also 8.6% higher than in February 2021 and are expected to jump by 5.5%-6.5%.

The USDA noted the increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and the Russian invasion of Ukraine are key factors in the pressure on food prices. 

"The situations will be closely monitored to assess the net impacts of these concurrent events on food prices as they unfold," the report reads. 

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As the cost of a trip to the grocery store rises, shoppers can expect every food category to cost more, with prices for 11 disaggregate food categories jumping at least 1% since last month. 

Here are some of the food prices expected to drastically jump later this year:

Inflation: Inflation rose at fastest pace in 40 years in March as consumer prices jumped 8.5%

Food prices: Get ready to spend more at the grocery store. Food prices expected to soar, USDA predicts.

Inflation hit a fresh 40-year high as continuing surges in gasoline, food and rent costs more than offset moderating prices for used cars.

Poultry and eggs 

From rotisserie chicken to raw breasts and thighs, poultry items are expected to see the highest jump in prices, with an estimated increase from 6%-7%. Wholesale poultry products are also predicted to see a 9%-12% price increase this year. 

The USDA says the biggest factor in the jump is the outbreak of the bird flu, which has been detected in 23 states and resulted in tens of thousands of avian species being euthanized. 

The bird flu is also a factor in the cost of eggs, with a predicted price increase of 2.5%-3.5%. 

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Fats and oils

Like poultry, fats and oil products are also expected to see a 6%-7% jump in prices. Wholesale is also expected to see a price jump of 27%-30%, the largest estimate of all food groups.

Fruits and vegetables

Shoppers can see different prices of fruits and vegetables depending on how they like them. 

Fresh fruit products are expected to rise 5%-6%, while fresh vegetables are estimated to have a 1%-2% jump in prices, the smallest prediction of any foods. However, processed fruit and vegetables are expected to jump 4.5%-5.5%. 

In total, the aggregated cost of fruits and vegetables is predicted to increase by 3.5%-4.5%, while fresh onesare expected to rise by 3%-4%. 

Nonalcoholic beverages 

Drinks like soda and juices are estimated to see price increases with an expected jump of 3.5%-4.5%. 

Sugar and sweets, cereal and bakery

Those with a sweet tooth and others who love their toast are expected to see similar jumps, with each category estimated to see a 3%-4% jump in cost.

Contributing: Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press

Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.

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