1. Eggs
Egg prices in the United States have surged by over 30% in the past year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data from March 2025. The spike is largely due to ongoing avian influenza outbreaks that have wiped out millions of hens, shrinking supply dramatically. In late 2024, the USDA reported that nearly 50 million birds were culled, impacting egg production across the country. Supermarket chains like Kroger and Walmart raised prices to an average of $4.20 per dozen in early 2025, compared to $2.50 in 2023. As a result, restaurant chains that rely on eggs for breakfast menus, such as Denny’s and IHOP, have cut back on offerings or added surcharges. The National Restaurant Association noted a 17% drop in egg-based menu items this year. For families, eggs—once the go-to affordable protein—are becoming a luxury. If these trends persist, even simple pleasures like scrambled eggs or homemade cakes could be out of reach for many Americans.
2. Beef
Beef prices have reached historic highs in 2025, with the USDA reporting a 16% increase from April 2024 to April 2025. This jump is fueled by continued droughts in key cattle-producing states like Texas and Kansas, leading to smaller herds and lower beef supply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent Cattle Inventory Report showed the lowest number of beef cows in the country since 1962. Grocery chains have responded with higher prices: sirloin steak now averages $10.99 per pound, up from $8.50 last year. Fast food chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s have also raised menu prices, and some local burger joints have started offering smaller portions. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association warns that if ranchers keep reducing herd sizes, beef could become a rare treat rather than a dinner table staple. High beef prices are already pushing families to substitute with other proteins, but for steak lovers, the prospect of a juicy ribeye is slipping away.
3. Coffee
Coffee lovers are feeling the pinch as global coffee prices soar to their highest levels since 2011. The International Coffee Organization reported in March 2025 that the composite price index jumped 22% year-over-year, driven by extreme weather in Brazil and Vietnam—both top coffee exporters. Brazil’s 2024 drought and Vietnam’s recent floods decimated crops, leading to tight supplies worldwide. U.S. importers have passed these costs on, with the average price for a pound of coffee beans now at $8.60, up from $6.30 in early 2024. Starbucks and Dunkin’ announced price hikes in January 2025, citing increased sourcing costs. At-home coffee drinkers are also cutting back, with 39% of Americans surveyed by the National Coffee Association saying they’ve reduced consumption or switched to cheaper alternatives. If prices continue their upward march, the morning ritual of a fresh cup of coffee may become a luxury many can no longer afford.
4. Chocolate
Chocolate prices have skyrocketed in 2025 due to a catastrophic cocoa shortage. The International Cocoa Organization published data in February showing that cocoa futures reached $10,000 per metric ton, nearly double the price from just a year ago. West Africa, responsible for over 60% of global cocoa production, has faced severe drought and crop disease, slashing harvests by 30% in Ghana and Ivory Coast. Major chocolate makers like Hershey and Mars warned of reduced output and smaller product sizes in their 2024–2025 earnings statements. Supermarkets have responded, with average retail chocolate bar prices climbing from $1.20 to $2.10 since last spring. Specialty chocolatiers in New York and San Francisco have reported a 25% drop in sales, as customers balk at rising costs. For millions, familiar treats like chocolate bars, Easter eggs, and Valentine’s Day boxes are quickly becoming a memory rather than a regular indulgence.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil has become one of the most shocking victims of food inflation, with prices doubling in the past year. According to the European Commission’s March 2025 market report, the average price per liter of extra virgin olive oil in Spain—the world’s largest producer—rose from €4.80 in early 2024 to €9.60 in 2025. This is a direct result of two consecutive years of drought in Spain and Italy, which cut olive harvests by nearly 40%. U.S. food importers have echoed these challenges, with the North American Olive Oil Association noting a 60% price increase for American consumers. Supermarkets have started limiting purchases, and restaurants are switching to cheaper oils or charging surcharges for olive-based dishes. For home cooks, salads and Mediterranean recipes now feel out of reach. The once-affordable staple for dressings and sautés is rapidly becoming a rare luxury.
6. Rice
Rice, a global dietary staple, has seen its price rise by 14% in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. India, the world’s largest rice exporter, imposed export bans on several varieties in mid-2024 after erratic monsoon rains slashed yields. This triggered panic buying across Asia and Africa, sending international rice prices to their highest point since 2008. In the U.S., the average retail price for a 5-pound bag of rice has jumped from $4.20 to $5.80 within a year. Food banks in California and Texas report higher demand from low-income families struggling to afford this kitchen staple. The World Food Programme warned that further supply shocks could push millions into food insecurity. Rice-based dishes, from risotto to sushi, are becoming harder for both families and restaurants to afford.
7. Cheese
Cheese prices in the United States have climbed by 11% over the past 12 months, as reported by the Dairy Farmers of America in April 2025. Several factors are at play: ongoing labor shortages, increased feed costs, and rising energy prices have all squeezed dairy producers. Wisconsin, the top cheese-producing state, saw a 7% reduction in production in late 2024, reflecting nationwide trends. Supermarkets are charging more, with a pound of cheddar now averaging $7.40, compared to $6.00 last year. Popular pizza chains like Domino’s and Papa John’s have raised menu prices or reduced cheese portions. School lunch programs are also feeling the strain, with some districts in New York and Illinois cutting back on cheese-based meals. As Americans consume more cheese than any other nation, the idea of missing out on pizza, grilled cheese, and mac ‘n’ cheese is hitting hard.
8. Chicken
Chicken, long considered a budget-friendly protein, has seen prices rise by 15% since early 2024, according to the USDA’s April 2025 Retail Price Summary. The increase comes after a series of avian flu outbreaks and higher feed costs, which led to reduced production nationwide. Tyson Foods, the largest U.S. poultry producer, announced plant closures in August 2024, citing unsustainable costs. At grocery stores, boneless skinless chicken breast now averages $5.90 per pound, up from $4.90 last year. Fried chicken chains like KFC and Popeyes have either raised prices or offered more limited menu items. For many households, chicken stir-fries, sandwiches, and salads are now less frequent on the dinner table. School cafeterias and hospitals are also reporting supply shortages, making this everyday protein less accessible to millions.
9. Potatoes
Potato prices in North America have climbed 13% in 2025, according to the U.S. Potato Board’s latest market review. Unusually hot weather in Idaho—the country’s top potato state—reduced yields by 12% in the 2024 harvest. Canada faced similar issues with late blight disease, further straining supply. Retailers have passed costs on to consumers, with a 10-pound bag now selling for $8.20, up from $7.00 last year. McDonald’s and other fast-food chains have raised prices on French fries and hash browns, and some local diners have even started charging extra for side orders. The Idaho Potato Commission warned in March that prices are unlikely to drop soon as farmers grapple with higher fertilizer and water costs. This means that comfort foods like mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, and fries may soon be harder to enjoy regularly.
10. Tomatoes
Tomato prices in the U.S. and Europe have surged by 19% year-over-year by spring 2025, per the USDA’s fresh produce index. California’s persistent drought and Florida’s hurricanes in late 2024 wiped out large portions of the crop, reducing national output by 15%. Europe faced similar weather extremes, with Italy reporting its smallest tomato harvest in a decade. As a result, the price of a pound of tomatoes in U.S. supermarkets jumped from $2.20 to $2.65. Canned tomato products like sauces and pastes are also up in price, affecting pizza and pasta dishes nationwide. Restaurants have started charging more for tomato-based menu items, and some local pizzerias are even cutting back on sauce. The fresh tomato shortage is now being felt from home kitchens to takeout counters, threatening a key ingredient in countless beloved recipes.
