“Why does food cost that much?” is a much-asked question. Many factors, including supply and demand, regulations, pricing policies, vendor policies, weather, the political environment, such as war, and more, determine food prices. This website links to articles from around the world that are snapshots in time. They reflect temporary market conditions but provide insights into specific food prices.
Food prices change over time but can also vary significantly for consumers depending on deals. As I write this toward the end of February, many grocery chains charge over $7 per dozen eggs. However, my family eats eggs at almost every meal. We paid $22, but had to buy five dozen at a time. And here we are. — Claudia
U.S. Egg Prices Reached a Record High & Likely to Keep Climbing
February 13, 2025 (Updated)― AP News, By Josh Funk
The average price for a dozen eggs reached $4.95 in January 2025. Prices accounted for roughly two-thirds of the total increase in food costs last month.* To limit the spread of the bird flu virus, 23 million birds were slaughtered last month and more than 18 million in December. Such cullings are the leading cause of the shortage. Higher feed, fuel, and labor costs and stricter cage-free egg laws also increase prices. Experts predict prices could remain high, particularly as demand increases during holidays like Easter.
*Food Trends & Tech Note: Many processed foods such as desserts (puddings), sauces (mayonnaise), some ice creams (e.g., French vanilla), baked, battered, and breaded foods, meatballs, some pasta, among many other food products contain eggs, driving up their costs as well.
Coffee Prices at Record Highs Amid Tight Global Supplies
2025, February 11 ―Food Business News, By Ron Sterk
Coffee futures prices in New York and London hit record highs in 2024 and 2025, driven by tight global supplies, particularly in Brazil, the world’s leading coffee producer. Brazil’s coffee production is expected to decline in 2025, mainly due to drought and a cyclical off-year for arabica beans, which are generally preferred globally. Speculators contributed to the price surge, adding bullish positions. Despite increased production in Vietnam and Indonesia, global coffee production is largely influenced by Brazil, which produces nearly 38% of the world’s coffee. The price increases in coffee resemble the rise in cocoa prices, but strong consumer demand may prevent the drop in consumption that cocoa experienced. Food Trends & Tech Note: On January 7, 2025, the Institute of Food Technologists announced that in 2024, the number one most-read article in CRFSFS of the last five years was “Sustainability Issues Along the Coffee Chain: From the Field to the Cup,” Barreto Peixoto JA et al. 2023. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety (CRFSFS)
Study Highlights Impact of Climate Change on Cocoa Production
2025, February 5 – Food Ingredients First, Innova Market Insights, Netherlands
A Wageningen University and Research (WUR) study shows the impact of climate change on cocoa production in West and Central Africa, where over 70% of global cocoa is produced. Climate shifts, including fluctuating rainfall, are expected to reduce yields in countries like Côte d’Ivoire (by 50%) and less so in Ghana. However, Cameroon and, to a lesser extent, Nigeria may benefit from increased arable land. Driven by CO2 increases and wetter dry seasons, forecasts are given for changes in yields by 2060, with dryer weather expected more than increased rain overall. Strategies like shade trees, drought-resistant crops, and improved farming practices may help drying areas to adapt. New EU laws will ban cocoa imports from deforested regions. In 2025, rising cocoa prices are already affecting the chocolate industry, with manufacturers using alternatives. Comments on the computer models and what’s unknown are provided.
How Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Could Hit You at the Grocery Store
2025, February 20 – Wyoming Public Media, Joe Hernandez
Steel and aluminum prices may rise due to U.S. tariffs, increasing costs for everyday items like soft drinks, beer, and soups, which are packaged in cans. President Trump’s 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum to boost U.S. production could lead to higher can manufacturing costs. These costs will likely be passed on to consumers. The U.S. imports much of the tin mill steel used in food cans, and current limited domestic production could make costs more volatile. Small businesses, including craft breweries, are already facing challenges, and higher prices can lead to overall price increases and/or packaging changes.
Declining Pork and Food Oil Prices Predicted
2025, January 24 – Pro Farmer, By Jim Wiesemeyer
The January 2025 USDA’s Food Price Outlook shows a 2.5% increase in food prices by December 2024, with food-at-home rising by 1.8% and food-away-from-home by 3.6%. In 2025, food prices are expected to grow by 2.2%, with food-at-home increasing by 1.3% and food-away-from-home by 3.6%. Key categories like eggs and beef remain volatile, while pork and oils are forecasted to decline. Producer prices show continued volatility, especially for eggs, milk, and fruits, due to supply and weather factors.
Food Trends & Tech Note: We would have preferred a news item that touched on why a food—in this case, pork and food oils—were expected to decrease. We posted it as a point in time for food price expectations and as an example of not all foods following the same trend.