The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts food prices overall will rise 3% this year. Beef prices have already surged more than 15% from 2025 levels, with costs expected to climb further. Ernest told Good Morning Cleveland anchor Mike Brookbank that tariffs are also contributing to rising food prices. Prices surged 19% last year and are expected to remain high throughout 2026. Chocolate and candy prices are expected to spike by up to 6%, driven by record-high cocoa prices and rising sugar costs, both fueled by higher production costs.