Prices for food purchased from stores in Canada were 1.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, Statistics Canada reported on 19 October. The increase was down from 2.8% in August and was the smallest year-over-year rise since May 2024. Grocery prices rose more slowly than the all-items consumer price index for a second consecutive month.

Fresh vegetables were 2.9% cheaper year over year and sugar and confectionery prices fell 2.7%. The annual increase for fresh or frozen beef also slowed to 8.7% from 11.0% in August. The moderation came while grocery prices remained 33.0% above September 2020 levels, so slower annual inflation does not mean earlier price increases have been reversed.