Eurozone food prices: unprocessed food costs 4% more

Consumer prices for unprocessed food are rising faster in the eurozone. Eurostat estimates a year-over-year price increase of 4% in September 2026. A month earlier, the increase was 2.7%. Price increases for processed food, alcohol, and tobacco are slowing.

Food prices rise at different rates

For food, alcohol, and tobacco combined, Eurostat estimates a year-over-year price increase of 1.4%. A month earlier, the increase for this category was 1.1%. Prices are estimated to be 0.2% higher than in August.

Unprocessed food prices are estimated to rise by 1.3% month over month. Year-over-year inflation for processed food, alcohol, and tobacco falls to 0.4%. In August, the increase for this category was 0.5%. Compared with August, consumer prices in this category are estimated to be 0.2% lower.

Energy prices rise the most

Eurostat estimates overall annual inflation in the eurozone at 3.8%. In August, eurozone inflation was 3.2%. Energy records the largest year-over-year price increase among the main categories. Eurostat estimates the increase at 18.8%, compared with 14.3% in August. Energy prices are estimated to be 3.9% higher than in August. Annual inflation for services rises from 3.0% to 3.2%.

Dutch inflation at 3%

Eurostat estimates annual inflation in the Netherlands at 3.0% in September. That is slightly higher than August's 2.8%. Compared with August, Dutch consumer prices are estimated to be 0.1% lower.

Eurostat uses the European Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). The September figures are preliminary estimates. Eurostat is scheduled to publish the full figures on October 16, 2026.

Ec.europa.eu