Fresh produce has more short-term supply risk than shelf-stable staples.
In September 2026, lettuce moved +11.2% month over month. The ranking compares absolute percentage changes among current-month observations; it does not identify the cause of a move.
Why produce is volatile
Fresh produce depends on the timing and quality of harvests. Weather can reduce supply quickly, disease can damage crops, and highly perishable items cannot always be stored long enough to smooth a bad month. Transport and import conditions matter too, especially for fruit and vegetables that move long distances before reaching stores.
What the current data shows
Basket Report tracks tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, bananas, oranges and lemons as produce staples. In September 2026, lettuce moved +11.2% month over month. Lettuce had the largest available annual move for September 2026, at −5.5%. A missing annual comparison excludes an item from the annual ranking rather than assigning it a zero change.
How to read the average
These are U.S. city average prices, not a guarantee for every store. Produce can vary especially widely by region, season, variety and promotion, so the national average is best read as a trend signal rather than a shelf quote. The price series identifies the size of a move, not whether weather, disease or another factor caused that month’s change.
Frequently asked questions
Which produce item moved most this month?
In September 2026, lettuce moved +11.2% month over month. This is the largest absolute monthly change among the available current-month produce comparisons.
Are produce prices the same everywhere?
No. Basket Report uses national U.S. city average prices; local store prices vary by region, season, variety and promotion.
Why does lettuce or tomatoes jump so much?
Fresh vegetables are perishable and weather-sensitive, so a supply disruption or seasonal transition can move average prices quickly.
Sources and methodology
- BLS average retail food and energy prices
- USDA ERS Vegetables and Pulses
- USDA ERS Fruit and Tree Nuts
- Basket Report methodology
- Basket Report data downloads
Data through September 2026 · Editorial prose reviewed for September 2026 · Source data is independently analyzed by Basket Report and does not imply BLS endorsement.
See produce item prices
Compare tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, bananas, oranges and lemons in the price directory.