Food prices in Ireland increased by 3.9% in the 12 months to January 2026, according to new inflation figures published today by the Central Statistics Office.
The CSO released its flash estimates from the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which allows inflation comparisons across the euro area. The data also shows food prices rose by 0.2% in the past month alone.
Overall, consumer goods and services in Ireland increased by 2.6% year-on-year to January. However, prices fell by 1% compared with December, indicating some easing at the start of the year.
Ireland’s annual inflation rate remains higher than the Eurozone average, where prices rose by 1.9% over the same 12-month period.
Breaking down the figures further:
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Food prices: up 3.9% year-on-year
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Energy prices: down 0.8% in the month, but up 0.3% over the year
The HICP is widely used across the EU to assess price stability and guide monetary policy. Flash estimates provide an early indication of inflation trends ahead of final data.
The EU’s statistics agency, Eurostat, is expected to publish its flash inflation estimates for the euro area for January on February 4.
The latest figures suggest that while overall inflation has moderated, food costs continue to put pressure on household budgets in Ireland.