Grocery Prices See Mixed Trends for Memphis Shoppers
Ground beef and coffee costs fell in October, but other staples remain higher than summer levels for Memphis households.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Inflation
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Memphis shoppers saw mixed grocery price shifts in mid-October, with average costs for ground beef and coffee falling while other household staples increased in price. The tracker highlights the ongoing volatility in grocery bills as stores begin stocking up for the upcoming holiday season.
Why it matters
Understanding these price fluctuations helps local households manage their food budgets as grocery stores begin to cycle through holiday inventory. While some staple items are cheaper, persistent price increases in other categories continue to impact the total cost of a standard shopping trip.
The WREG Price Tracker recorded ground beef at $7.20 per pound in mid-October, a 17-cent decrease from the previous month. Despite this dip, current beef prices remain 20% higher than when tracking began in early 2025.
The players
WREG Price Tracker
A local market monitoring tool that tracks the cost of household grocery staples in Memphis.
Walmart
A major retailer where coffee price drops of over $2 were observed in the latest tracking cycle.
The details
The price data is generated through a monthly three-store average check. Recent fluctuations show coffee prices falling by over $2 at Walmart, while milk prices saw a temporary 10-cent drop before rising again. Families should note that items like lettuce, ice cream, and mac and cheese are currently priced higher than they were during the summer months.
Timeline
Early 2025 marked the beginning of the WREG Price Tracker.
Summer 2026 saw ground beef reach a peak price of nearly $8 per pound.
Mid-October 2026 serves as the most recent data point for the price checks.
The 2026 holiday season is currently driving store stocking patterns.
Money Landscape
Grocery price monitoring provides a snapshot of current inflationary pressures at the local level. These mid-October findings suggest that while some goods are softening, overall food costs remain significantly elevated compared to 2025 levels.
Households should review their weekly grocery lists, as the cost of pantry staples like mac and cheese and fresh produce remains higher than in recent months. Comparing prices across different local retailers can help offset the impact of these fluctuating costs on your monthly food budget.
The takeaway
While some core items are showing price relief, other staples remain expensive as the holiday season approaches. It is a good time to track your own spending on frequently purchased items to identify which categories are trending upward in your local market.
Further reading
Explore broader economic trends affecting your household budget in our Inflation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Channel 3 WREG-TV Memphis.
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Do you feel that grocery prices in your area are becoming more affordable recently?
