How much did cheddar cheese cost in 1997?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.22 per lb in 1997 — about $6.72 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000710212.
In 1997, cheddar cheese averaged $3.22 per lb at the U.S. city average, across all twelve months, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $3.07 in August to $3.50 in February. Over the year it rose from $3.10 in January to $3.46 in December, a 11.5% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.22 in 1997 is worth about $6.72 in 2026 dollars. Today cheddar cheese averages $5.69 per lb, so in real terms it is 15% cheaper than it was in 1997. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 77% versus the 1997 average.
1997 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $3.10 | ▲ 0.6% |
| February | $3.50 | ▲ 12.8% |
| March | $3.07 | ▼ 12.3% |
| April | $3.12 | ▲ 1.6% |
| May | $3.11 | ▼ 0.2% |
| June | $3.14 | ▲ 0.7% |
| July | $3.42 | ▲ 9.1% |
| August | $3.07 | ▼ 10.3% |
| September | $3.13 | ▲ 1.9% |
| October | $3.13 | ▲ 0.1% |
| November | $3.39 | ▲ 8.4% |
| December | $3.46 | ▲ 1.9% |
| 1997 average | $3.22 |
FAQ
What was the average price of cheddar cheese in 1997?
Cheddar cheese averaged $3.22 per lb in 1997, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.22 of 1997 cheddar cheese worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.22 in 1997 is about $6.72 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1997 price of cheddar cheese compare to now?
Cheddar cheese now averages $5.69 per lb, up 77% from the 1997 average of $3.22.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Cheddar cheese price in 1997 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1997/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1997/">Cheddar cheese price in 1997 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000710212; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Cheddar cheese price in 1997 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/cheese/1997/