Irish shoppers faced higher prices for steak and cheddar in the year to May 2026, according to latest food price analysis.

Figures published today (Thursday, June 11) by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal exactly which foods consumers are paying more for in 2026.

The CSO's latest National Average Price report also details the fall in price for some family favourites at the checkout.

Anthony Dawson, CSO statistician said: “There were price increases in the 12 months to May 2026 for sirloin steak per kg (+€1.01) and Irish cheddar per kg (+8c).

An 800g loaf of white sliced pan was unchanged when compared with May 2025.”

Looking at fuel, Dawson said: “The national average price for a litre of diesel in May 2026 was €1.99, an increase of 33c on the same time last year.

Consumer Price Index

The CSO also published the Consumer Price Index May 2026 which shows that prices for consumer goods and services in May 2026 rose by 3.6% on average when compared with May 2025.

This is down from an annual increase of 3.7% in the 12 months to April 2026.

Excluding energy and unprocessed food, the CPI grew by 2.9% in the 12 months to May 2026.

The divisions with the largest increases in the 12 months to May 2026 were education services (+8.9%), clothing and footwear (+7.4%) and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (+7.1%).

Monthly changes

According to the CSO consumer prices in May 2026 fell by 0.1% in the month. This compares with an unchanged monthly index figure in May 2025.

In May 2026, the most significant monthly decreases were in recreation, sport and culture (-2.6%) and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (-1.1%). 

According to the CSO, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels fell mainly due to lower costs for home heating oil.