Food prices are up in the U.S., but they are nothing compared to these countries’ inflation rates

Food prices continue to climb in the United States, which is unwelcome news with Thanksgiving just around the corner. However, data from around the world shows that the U.S. is far from the only country feeling the pinch.

According to Trading Economics, the most recent U.S. data, from September 2025, shows a food inflation rate of 3.1% compared to the same month last year. That is roughly in line with the overall year-on-year inflation rate of 3%.

G20 inflation leaders

That overall inflation figure places the U.S. tenth among G20 nations, with Turkey and Argentina leading the way. Turkey’s overall inflation rate as of October 2025 reached a staggering 32.87%, slightly ahead of Argentina at 31.3%.

Other G20 countries experiencing higher overall inflation than the U.S. include Russia (7.7%), Brazil (4.68%), the United Kingdom (3.8%), Mexico (3.57%), South Africa (3.4%), Australia (3.2%), the Netherlands (3.1%) and Spain (3.1%).

Food inflation hotspots

When it comes to food specifically, Turkey and Argentina again top the list, while the United States ranks 13th in the G20. In October 2025, Turkey’s food inflation rate soared to 34.87%, with Argentina slightly lower at 28.6%.

Other countries with notable food inflation include Russia (9.46%), Japan (6.7%) and Brazil (5.5%).

Beyond the G20: the extreme cases

Looking beyond the G20, the numbers are astronomical. Venezuela, locked in a political struggle with the United States, recorded the world’s highest inflation at 172%, although the most recent data is from April 2025. South Sudan (113%) also hits triple digits, though its latest update is from October 2024. Iran, at 45.3%, ranks ahead of Turkey.

Some historical context is helpful. Venezuela’s inflation was “only” 21.9% in October 2024, while South Sudan led the global list with 106%, followed by Iran (57.9%) and Haiti (35.1%), according to the most recent statistics. Turkey comes next.

Whatever you do, do not do your Thanksgiving shopping in Juba, Tehran or Port-au-Prince.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.