How much did chicken breast cost in 2016?
Chicken breast averaged $3.25 per lb in 2016 — about $4.54 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000FF1101.
In 2016, chicken breast averaged $3.25 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 $3.20 in December to $3.31 in October. Over the year it fell from $3.25 in January to $3.20 in December, a 1.6% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.25 in 2016 is worth about $4.54 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken breast averages $4.17 per lb, so in real terms it is 8% cheaper than it was in 2016. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 28% versus the 2016 average.
2016 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $3.25 | ▼ 0.9% |
| February | $3.30 | ▲ 1.6% |
| March | $3.27 | ▼ 0.9% |
| April | $3.25 | ▼ 0.6% |
| May | $3.25 | — |
| June | $3.23 | ▼ 0.7% |
| July | $3.21 | ▼ 0.6% |
| August | $3.22 | ▲ 0.3% |
| September | $3.24 | ▲ 0.8% |
| October | $3.31 | ▲ 1.9% |
| November | $3.26 | ▼ 1.3% |
| December | $3.20 | ▼ 1.9% |
| 2016 average | $3.25 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken breast in 2016?
Chicken breast averaged $3.25 per lb in 2016, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.25 of 2016 chicken breast worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.25 in 2016 is about $4.54 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2016 price of chicken breast compare to now?
Chicken breast now averages $4.17 per lb, up 28% from the 2016 average of $3.25.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken breast price in 2016 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken-breast/2016/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000FF1101. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken-breast/2016/">Chicken breast price in 2016 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000FF1101; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Chicken breast price in 2016 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken-breast/2016/