Grocery prices rising faster than inflation, with milk up 19 cents at major Calgary retailers
Year-over-year price comparison shows modest to moderate increases across staple items at Walmart, Loblaws, and Sobeys.
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Grocery prices at major Calgary retailers have increased over the past year, with some staples rising more steeply than others, according to a price comparison across Walmart, Loblaws, and Sobeys.
Milk prices rose modestly across the three chains. At Walmart and Loblaws, 2 per cent partly skimmed milk in a 4-litre bag went from $6.25 in 2025 to $6.44 in 2026 — a 19-cent increase. Sobeys' price climbed from $6.25 to $6.49. Eggs remained flat at major retailers, holding at $3.93 for a 12-count carton at both Walmart and Loblaws, though Sobeys rose to $3.99.
Ground beef saw more significant increases. At Walmart, lean ground beef jumped from $7.98 for 450 grams to $8.95. Loblaws saw the steepest climb, rising from $8.99 to $11 for the same size. Sobeys increased from $8.99 to $9.99 for a 454-gram package.
Some items showed stability or declines. Cereal prices remained steady at Walmart ($6.97) and Loblaws and Sobeys (both $7.99). Pasta at Walmart actually fell from $1.97 to $2.44 per box, while Sobeys dropped from $3.49 to $2.99. Dempster's whole wheat bread fell at Walmart from $3.47 to $2.98, though Loblaws rose from $4.29 to $4.49 and Sobeys held at $3.99.
According to the Dalhousie Agri-food Analytics Lab's 2026 Canada's Food Price Report, food prices are forecast to rise four to six per cent this year. A family of four could see food costs increase by as much as $994.63, bringing total annual expenses to $17,571.79.
