10 Grocery Staples That Will Double in Price by 2026
Food inflation cooled slightly in late 2025, but the checkout line never received the memo. While overall prices slowed, everyday groceries continued to climb, and some staples are poised for another jump in 2026. Tariffs, weather troubles, disease outbreaks, and shrinking supplies are all converging at the same time, which is why familiar items are starting to feel like luxuries. These are the grocery basics most likely to shock shoppers over the next year.
Beef
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This one is already expensive, and the data says it is not done climbing. Ground beef averaged $6.23 per pound in September 2025, and production is expected to stay low through 2026. The U.S. cattle herd is the smallest it has been in decades, which keeps supply tight regardless of how strong demand becomes.
Eggs
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Egg prices dipped slightly in late summer 2025, but the relief was minor. Avian flu wiped out millions of birds, resulting in a 4% year-over-year reduction in output. The grain used to feed hens remains expensive, and outbreaks continue to pose a risk to the supply. Prices already jumped more than 37% in 2025, and conditions remain fragile heading into 2026.
Coffee
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Morning routines have gotten pricier because coffee inflation has been running in double digits. Bad weather in major growing regions reduced harvests, which tightened global supply. The U.S. produces very little coffee domestically, so imports fill the gap. Tariffs layered onto those imports added another cost that shows up at the register.
Dairy
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Milk, cheese, and butter are feeling pressure from the same forces hitting beef and eggs. Feed prices remain high, and fuel costs make transportation more expensive. Farmers facing slimmer margins may reduce production, thus limiting supply while demand stays steady. That imbalance tends to show up quickly in dairy cases.
Sugar
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When it comes to sugar prices, they are tied closely to weather and global trade. Domestic crops depend on specific growing regions, and shifting weather patterns can reduce yields. The U.S. also imports sugar from India, where more sugarcane is being used for ethanol production rather than food. Lower global supply combined with tariffs makes higher prices more likely.
Candy
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Candy follows sugar, and chocolate has extra problems of its own. Cocoa crops have been affected by weather disruptions similar to those affecting coffee. Tariffs on imported ingredients increase production costs for manufacturers. Seasonal sales may help shoppers temporarily, but baseline prices are trending higher in 2026.
Canned Goods
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Budget meals from the middle aisle are losing their price advantage. Canned beans, tomatoes, soups, and more were once considered inflation-safe; however, packaging changes have altered that. The costs of aluminum and steel are rising due to tariffs on imports from Asia. Manufacturing costs have increased even as the food inside remains the same.
Soy Sauce
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Soy sauce depends heavily on imports from Asia, particularly China. Tariffs on Chinese goods raise costs across the category. Even store brands face higher input prices because ingredients come from the same supply chain. That makes price increases hard to avoid.
Instant Noodles
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What used to be a backup meal is getting noticeably less cheap. That’s because cheap ramen has relied on imports from Vietnam, China, and South Korea, and trade costs affecting those countries are pushing prices up. Freight expenses also remain elevated compared to pre-2020 levels.
Frozen Fish
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These fish were once among the most affordable proteins in the freezer case. In 2026, they are expected to feel far less budget-friendly. We’re talking about tilapia and cod. They depend heavily on overseas production, but trade restrictions and higher shipping costs are raising prices on imported seafood.