Nexstar employees have observed that grocery prices have remained high and slightly increased since President Donald Trump took office in January. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has collected data showing that the overall cost of food at home has increased between 0.2% and 0.4% almost every month since January. This has led to a 3% increase in food prices year-over-year. Shelf-stable goods have also been price-stable at grocery stores in San Jose, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Bismarck, North Dakota between January and July 2025. However, fresh fruit prices have been more nuanced and varied than the top-line national average would indicate.
A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about half of all Americans consider the cost of groceries a “major” source of stress, while 33% consider it a “minor” source. Only 14% say it’s not a source of stress, underscoring the pervasive anxiety most Americans continue to feel about the cost of everyday essentials.
Nexstar’s The Hill reported that about 75% of the nation’s food imports are expected to be impacted by Trump’s latest round of tariffs, which took effect at the start of August. Food prices could rise more than 3% over the short term, with some foods that could see price hikes, such as seafood, coffee, rice, alcohol, and chocolate.
