How much did sugar cost in 1990?
Sugar averaged $0.43 per lb in 1990 — about $1.10 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000715211.
In 1990, sugar averaged $0.43 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 $0.42 in January to $0.43 in September. Over the year it rose from $0.42 in January to $0.43 in December, a 2.6% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.43 in 1990 is worth about $1.10 in 2026 dollars. Today sugar averages $1.03 per lb, so in real terms it is 6% cheaper than it was in 1990. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 140% versus the 1990 average.
1990 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.42 | ▲ 3.0% |
| February | $0.42 | ▲ 0.2% |
| March | $0.43 | ▲ 1.9% |
| April | $0.43 | ▲ 0.2% |
| May | $0.43 | ▲ 0.5% |
| June | $0.43 | ▼ 0.7% |
| July | $0.43 | — |
| August | $0.43 | ▲ 1.4% |
| September | $0.43 | ▲ 0.2% |
| October | $0.43 | ▼ 0.5% |
| November | $0.43 | ▼ 0.7% |
| December | $0.43 | — |
| 1990 average | $0.43 |
FAQ
What was the average price of sugar in 1990?
Sugar averaged $0.43 per lb in 1990, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.43 of 1990 sugar worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.43 in 1990 is about $1.10 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1990 price of sugar compare to now?
Sugar now averages $1.03 per lb, up 140% from the 1990 average of $0.43.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Sugar price in 1990 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1990/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000715211. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1990/">Sugar price in 1990 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000715211; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Sugar price in 1990 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1990/