How much did potatoes cost in 1997?
Potatoes averaged $0.36 per lb in 1997 — about $0.75 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000712112.
In 1997, potatoes averaged $0.36 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 $0.33 in March to $0.39 in August. Over the year it rose from $0.34 in January to $0.37 in December, a 10.4% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.36 in 1997 is worth about $0.75 in 2026 dollars. Today potatoes averages $0.89 per lb, so in real terms it is 19% more expensive than it was in 1997. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 148% versus the 1997 average.
1997 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.34 | — |
| February | $0.33 | ▼ 1.2% |
| March | $0.33 | ▼ 0.3% |
| April | $0.34 | ▲ 1.5% |
| May | $0.34 | ▲ 0.9% |
| June | $0.35 | ▲ 2.1% |
| July | $0.37 | ▲ 6.4% |
| August | $0.39 | ▲ 5.7% |
| September | $0.39 | — |
| October | $0.37 | ▼ 3.6% |
| November | $0.37 | ▼ 2.1% |
| December | $0.37 | ▲ 1.1% |
| 1997 average | $0.36 |
FAQ
What was the average price of potatoes in 1997?
Potatoes averaged $0.36 per lb in 1997, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.36 of 1997 potatoes worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.36 in 1997 is about $0.75 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1997 price of potatoes compare to now?
Potatoes now averages $0.89 per lb, up 148% from the 1997 average of $0.36.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Potatoes price in 1997 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1997/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1997/">Potatoes price in 1997 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000712112; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Potatoes price in 1997 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/potatoes/1997/