August 2026 grocery snapshot: food prices rose 0.3% in the month
A look back at Stats NZ’s August figures, published on 18 September, before the September data became available.
What the August release showed
Food prices rose 0.3% between July and August 2026 and were 1.9% higher than in August 2025. Stats NZ published those figures on 18 September 2026.
Meat, poultry and fish rose 1.7% over the month. Grocery food rose 0.3%, while non-alcoholic beverages fell 1.4%. Fruit and vegetable prices were unchanged overall.[1]
Read this as a historical snapshot
The figures describe national price movements for August. They have since been followed by September data, so they should not be read as today’s prices or the latest inflation release.
Category averages also cannot identify the cheapest store for a particular shopping list. The products you buy and their quantities determine your own comparison.[1]
Use past figures to understand the context
Looking back can help explain why different parts of a shop felt more expensive at different times. For a purchase today, check current recorded product prices and the retailer’s listing.[1]