What grocery items are posting the largest price increases? Well, it isn't steak, a report shows

Donnelle Eller
Des Moines Register

You need only spend a few minutes scanning the grocery store shelves to see food prices are climbing.

Food we make at home jumped nearly 11% in April compared to a year ago, the most recent Consumer Price Index shows.

Overall, the food index, which also takes in meals in restaurants, climbed 9.4%. It was the largest 12-month increase since 1981.

But you may be surprised at the grocery items that are climbing the most. Here's a look at how much some common products spiked last month, according to the Consumer Price Index: 

  • Eggs, 22.6%
  • Butter and margarine, 19.2%
  • Citrus fruits, 18.6%
  • Bacon, 17.7%
  • Beef roast, 16.9%
  • Chicken, 16.4%
  • Ground beef, 14.8%
  • Milk, 14.7%
  • Roasted coffee, 14.7%
  • Lunch meat, 14.4%
  • Pork chops, 14%
  • Soups, 13.1%
  • Lettuce, 12.7%
  • Breakfast cereal, 12.1%
  • Steaks, 11.8%
  • Bread, 9.1%

More:Here's why Iowa consumers can expect higher food prices to persist into next year

The price of eggs climbed 22.6% in April compared to a year ago, the Consumer Price Index showed. Overall, the index showed the cost of food purchased for home consumption climbed 10.8% compared to a year ago.

Donnelle Eller covers agriculture, the environment and energy for the Register. Reach her at deller@registermedia.com or 515-284-8457.