Inflation-adjusted prices for carbonated drinks have fallen over the last 30 years

The price index for carbonated drinks has been below both the consumer price index (CPI) and the indexes for all non-alcoholic beverages and whole milk over the last 25 years or so. That is, the real prices for carbonated drinks are actually declining over time. In contrast, the price index for all fruits and vegetables, particularly fresh, is increasing faster than the CPI. These price indexes do not take into account the increased availability, variety, and convenience of fresh fruits and vegetables over the last 30 years. This chart comes from the ERS report, The Effect of Food and Beverage Prices on Children's Weights, ERR-118, June 2011.

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