Fresh produce has more short-term supply risk than shelf-stable staples.
Lettuce moved +20.6% in May 2026, showing how quickly produce can shift even when the full basket moves less.
Why produce is volatile
Fresh produce depends on the timing and quality of harvests. Weather can reduce supply quickly, disease can damage crops, and highly perishable items cannot always be stored long enough to smooth a bad month. Transport and import conditions matter too, especially for fruit and vegetables that move long distances before reaching stores.
What the current data shows
Basket Report tracks tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, bananas, oranges and lemons as produce staples. In May 2026, lettuce had the largest month-over-month produce move at +20.6%, while tomatoes had the largest year-over-year produce move at +46.0%.
How to read the average
These are U.S. city average prices, not a guarantee for every store. Produce can vary especially widely by region, season, variety and promotion, so the national average is best read as a trend signal rather than a shelf quote.
Frequently asked questions
Which produce item moved most this month?
Lettuce had the largest produce move in Basket Report for May 2026, changing +20.6% from the prior month.
Are produce prices the same everywhere?
No. Basket Report uses national U.S. city average prices; local store prices vary by region, season, variety and promotion.
Why does lettuce or tomatoes jump so much?
Fresh vegetables are perishable and weather-sensitive, so a supply disruption or seasonal transition can move average prices quickly.
Sources and methodology
- BLS CPI Average Price Data factsheet
- USDA ERS Vegetables and Pulses
- USDA ERS Fruit and Tree Nuts
- Basket Report methodology
- Basket Report data downloads
Reviewed May 2026 · Source data is independently analyzed by Basket Report and does not imply BLS endorsement.
See produce item prices
Compare tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, bananas, oranges and lemons in the price directory.