After falling slightly in August, grocery prices moved higher in September, led by products containing sugar.
The September ConsumerAffairs-Datasembly Shopping Cart Index, based on the prices of 25 commonly purchased grocery items, increased 1% from August and was up 3% over the last 12 months. Those products cost 149.66 in September 2022 but rang the register to the tune of $154.36 last month.
Products containing sugar led the increase. A 14.3 oz. package of cookies cost $4.51 in September 2022 but cost $4.77 last month.
A 16.3 oz. jar of peanut butter increased 37 cents, to $3.33 over the last 12 months. An 18.8 oz. box of honey nut cereal cost $5.50 in August but $5.56 in September. In September 2022 it cost $5.31.
The price of bacon rose sharply from August to September but is still lower than it was a year ago. A 16 oz. package of bacon rose from $7.06 to $7.99 in one month. A year ago, it cost $8.62.
A few items in the cart were a little less expensive last month. A 12 oz. bag of whole bean coffee cost $13.76 in August but fell to $13.71 last month. It cost $14.80 12 months ago. A gallon of milk is among the items showing no change from August to September but is 20 cents cheaper than a year ago.
The Shopping Cart Index
| Product | Sept 2022 | Aug. 2023 | Sept. 2023 |
| Penne Pasta 16 oz. | $1.92 | $1.94 | $1.93 |
| Select-a-size paper towels | $20.32 | $21.26 | $21.66 |
| White Albacore tuna in water 5oz. | $2.32 | $2.23 | $2.23 |
| Chicken noodle soup 10.75 oz. | $1.39 | $1.41 | $1.41 |
| Cola 2-liter bottle | $2.65 | $2.87 | $2.87 |
| Whole milk half-gallon | $2.99 | $2.79 | $2.79 |
| Whole bean coffee 12 oz. | $14.80 | $13.76 | $13.71 |
| Organic eggs one dozen | $5.34 | $5.35 | $5.33 |
| Waffles 10 ct. 12.3 oz. | $3.10 | $3.21 | $3.18 |
| Frosted donuts 8 ct. | $5.10 | $5.26 | $5.25 |
| Tomato ketchup 20 oz. | $3.38 | $3.89 | $3.89 |
| Mayonnaise 30 oz. | $5.28 | $5.86 | $5.86 |
| Honey Nut cereal 18.8 oz. | $5.31 | $5.50 | $5.56 |
| American cheese single 24 ct. | $5.51 | $5.50 | $5.52 |
| Salted butter 1 lb. | $5.75 | $5.42 | $5.61 |
| Classic potato chips 8 oz. bag | $3.90 | $4.11 | $4.11 |
| Honey wheat bread 20 oz. | $3.50 | $3.79 | $3.79 |
| Cookies 14.3 oz. | $4.51 | $4.74 | $4.77 |
| Bacon 16 oz. | $8.62 | $7.06 | $7.99 |
| Liquid dish detergent 46 oz. | $4.99 | $5.59 | $5.59 |
| Spring water 16.9 oz. 32 ct. | $6.29 | $7.52 | $7.52 |
| 1000 sheet toilet paper 12 ct. | $11.46 | $12.16 | $12.16 |
| Peanut butter 16.3 oz. | $2.96 | $3.19 | $3.33 |
| White rice 32 oz. | $5.10 | $5.20 | $5.21 |
| Laundry detergent 96 oz. | $13.17 | $13.09 | $13.09 |
| Cart Totals | $149.52 | $154.70 | $152.70 |
A more expensive Halloween
Sugar prices are also making Halloween candy more expensive this year. Datasembly data show that since 2019, before the pandemic, candy and gum prices have increased by an average of 36.6%.
Alaska, Montana, Utah, Arkansas and Louisiana all saw candy and gum prices increase by more than 40% over the last four years.
In fact, candy prices have risen sharply in 2023. Here are the 10 metros where prices have risen the fastest.