Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food Away from Home in U.S. City Average
CUUS0000SEFV • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
379.15
Year-over-Year Change
34.28%
Date Range
1/1/1984 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food Away from Home in U.S. City Average measures the change in prices for meals and snacks purchased at restaurants, cafeterias, and other eating establishments. This metric is a key indicator of inflationary pressures in the food services sector.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The Food Away from Home index is a component of the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services. This specific index focuses on the prices of food and beverages consumed outside the home, providing insight into a major component of household spending.
Methodology
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects price data from a sample of food service establishments to calculate this index.
Historical Context
The Food Away from Home index is closely monitored by policymakers, businesses, and consumers as it reflects a significant portion of consumer expenditures and can signal broader economic trends.
Key Facts
- The Food Away from Home index accounts for about 6% of the overall CPI.
- Prices for food away from home have historically risen faster than overall inflation.
- This index is considered a leading indicator of consumer spending and economic activity.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food Away from Home in U.S. City Average measures the change in prices for meals and snacks purchased at restaurants, cafeterias, and other eating establishments.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is a key indicator of inflationary pressures in the food services sector and is closely monitored by policymakers, businesses, and consumers as it reflects a significant portion of consumer expenditures.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects price data from a sample of food service establishments to calculate this index.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The Food Away from Home index is used by economists and policymakers to assess broader economic conditions and consumer spending patterns, which can inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Food Away from Home index is published monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a typical release lag of approximately two weeks.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food Away from Home in U.S. City Average (CUUS0000SEFV), retrieved from FRED.