How much did sugar cost in 1996?
Sugar averaged $0.42 per lb in 1996 — about $0.90 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000715211.
In 1996, sugar averaged $0.42 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 $0.40 in February to $0.43 in October. Over the year it rose from $0.41 in January to $0.43 in December, a 5.7% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.42 in 1996 is worth about $0.90 in 2026 dollars. Today sugar averages $1.03 per lb, so in real terms it is 15% more expensive than it was in 1996. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 146% versus the 1996 average.
1996 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.41 | ▲ 1.8% |
| February | $0.40 | ▼ 0.5% |
| March | $0.41 | ▲ 0.7% |
| April | $0.40 | ▼ 0.5% |
| May | $0.42 | ▲ 2.7% |
| June | $0.42 | ▲ 0.7% |
| July | $0.42 | ▲ 1.4% |
| August | $0.43 | ▲ 0.9% |
| September | $0.43 | ▼ 0.5% |
| October | $0.43 | ▲ 1.4% |
| November | $0.43 | ▼ 1.4% |
| December | $0.43 | ▲ 0.5% |
| 1996 average | $0.42 |
FAQ
What was the average price of sugar in 1996?
Sugar averaged $0.42 per lb in 1996, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.42 of 1996 sugar worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.42 in 1996 is about $0.90 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1996 price of sugar compare to now?
Sugar now averages $1.03 per lb, up 146% from the 1996 average of $0.42.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Sugar price in 1996 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1996/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000715211. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1996/">Sugar price in 1996 (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 1996 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/1996/