The latest Consumer Price Index released Wednesday shows a continued increase in the cost of food in the United States. The food index increased 1.1 percent in July, the seventh consecutive monthly increase of 0.9 percent or more. The food at home index rose 1.3 percent in July as all six major grocery store food group indexes increased.

The index for nonalcoholic beverages rose the most, up 2.3 percent, as the index for coffee rose 3.5 percent. The index for other food at home rose 1.8 percent, as did the index for cereals and bakery products. The index for dairy products increased 1.7 percent, and the index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 0.5 percent in July after declining in June.

The index for fruits and vegetables also increased 0.5 percent over the month. The overall Consumer Price Index was unchanged in July after rising 1.3 percent in June, and the gasoline index fell 7.7 percent in July.