Minnesotans See One Everyday Item Climb Faster Than Inflation

Remember the good ol' days when you could get a 12 pack of soda in for around five bucks, and on sale you could score several packs for under 15 bucks? Those days are long gone, as the price of soda has skyrocketed for shoppers everywhere, including right here in Minnesota.

How Much Soda Prices Have Really Climbed in MN

In 2020 you could get a 12 pack of name brand soda for an average of $5.18, and a 2 liter bottle for $1.94. Today you will pay an average of $9.79 for that same 12 pack and $3.14 for a 2 liter bottle. Prices have nearly doubled and are far outpacing inflation on most other products.

According to data released by FinanceBuzz.com, the inflation rate on soda between 2020 and 2025 was 45 percent, which is 20 points higher than the national inflation rate during that same period.

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That rate includes all soda brands, even the cheaper generic versions. If you focus only on name brand sodas like Coke and Pepsi, the climb is even steeper. Prices for 12 packs have risen by 89 percent since 2020, and name brand 2 liter bottles cost 62 percent more than they did just a few years ago.

Why The Price Keeps Going Up

The reasons are layered, but it comes down to rising costs across the board. Sugar and corn syrup prices have jumped, aluminum costs continue to climb, and transportation and labor expenses are higher than they were just a few years ago. All of those increases land directly on the final price tag.

Price Over Volume And Why It Matters

Pepsi and Coca-Cola also use a strategy called price over volume. This means they raise prices to cover higher costs, even if that results in selling fewer units. They rely on brand loyalty to keep profits steady, and so far that strategy is working.

As long as shoppers keep paying these elevated prices, there is little incentive for companies to bring them down. For now, expect soda to remain one of the most inflated items on your grocery list.