Overall food prices have been increasing steadily over the years, with the growth predicted to continue in 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Price Outlook tracker.
“In 2025, prices for all food are predicted to increase 1.9 percent,” the agency said in a Jan. 8 report.
Food-at-home and away-from-home prices are projected to rise by 0.8 and 3.5 percent respectively. While overall food prices are projected to increase this year, the gain is expected to be “at a slower pace than the historical average rate of growth.” In 2021, prices rose by 3.9 percent, in 2022 by 9.9 percent, and in 2023 by 5.8 percent.
The Food Price Outlook tracks and forecasts annual food price changes by taking into account projected and observed prices over the previous two years.
In 2024, food prices are estimated to have increased by 2.3 percent. The food category that registered the largest price change last year is eggs, which rose by an estimated 7.7 percent. This was followed by beef and veal with a 5.5 percent increase, fats and oils at 2.5 percent, and cereals and bakery items with a marginal gain of 0.5 percent.
Fish and seafood are calculated to have seen the biggest price dip at 1.9 percent, followed by dairy products which fell by 0.3 percent.
As for domestic factors, Kelly, an economics professor, blames higher energy costs, regulations on trucking like banning cages for chickens, and extreme weather as contributing factors. However, “the vast majority of the high food prices are attributed to high inflation,” he said.
“Inflation certainly affects food as it does every other good. Since 2019, general prices have increased 4.2 percent per year, and food prices have risen 4.8 percent.”
Kelly suggested exploring ways to boost the food supply and cut down regulations to curb food inflation. “You could do things such as reduce tariffs or promote free-trade agreements especially in agriculture, but those are not popular,” he said.
The USDA blames egg prices on the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that began in 2022.
The outbreak “contributed to elevated egg prices by reducing the U.S. egg-layer flock,” it said. “HPAI continued to drive egg price increases in 2024, with recent detections in December 2024. Egg prices in November 2024 were 37.5 percent higher than those in November 2023.”
Egg prices at the farm level also continue to experience “large monthly changes,” said the agency. “In November 2024, prices for farm-level eggs were 94.4 percent higher than November 2023, when prices had fallen during a lull in the outbreak through much of 2023.”
The USDA called egg prices “the most volatile category” tracked by the agency.
This includes almost 102 million egg-laying hens and pullets—hens less than a year old that have yet to start laying eggs.
“As the current HPAI outbreak enters its fourth year, the impact on the poultry industry remains significant,” the association said.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
