How much did sugar cost in 2008?
Sugar averaged $0.53 per lb in 2008 — about $0.82 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000715211.
In 2008, sugar averaged $0.53 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 $0.50 in March to $0.56 in October. Over the year it rose from $0.52 in January to $0.53 in December, a 2.9% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.53 in 2008 is worth about $0.82 in 2026 dollars. Today sugar averages $1.03 per lb, so in real terms it is 26% more expensive than it was in 2008. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 95% versus the 2008 average.
2008 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.52 | ▲ 3.2% |
| February | $0.51 | ▼ 1.2% |
| March | $0.50 | ▼ 1.8% |
| April | $0.52 | ▲ 2.6% |
| May | $0.52 | ▲ 0.8% |
| June | $0.53 | ▲ 0.8% |
| July | $0.53 | — |
| August | $0.54 | ▲ 1.9% |
| September | $0.56 | ▲ 5.2% |
| October | $0.56 | ▲ 0.2% |
| November | $0.53 | ▼ 6.4% |
| December | $0.53 | ▲ 1.1% |
| 2008 average | $0.53 |
FAQ
What was the average price of sugar in 2008?
Sugar averaged $0.53 per lb in 2008, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.53 of 2008 sugar worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.53 in 2008 is about $0.82 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2008 price of sugar compare to now?
Sugar now averages $1.03 per lb, up 95% from the 2008 average of $0.53.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Sugar price in 2008 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/2008/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000715211. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/2008/">Sugar price in 2008 (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 2008 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/sugar/2008/