The 2026 price reset: why milk is plummeting (and chocolate is tricky)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) - As you head into the kitchen this morning to splash milk into your coffee or bake one last holiday treat, there is some major news for your 2026 budget. According to EDairy News, milk prices are officially entering a "plummet" phase. Starting next week, base milk prices are expected to hit their lowest levels in five years.

While milk and butter are getting cheaper, chocolate is doing something strange. Coface reports that even though the wholesale price of cocoa dropped by 45% this year, your favorite chocolate bars are staying "premium" priced. Why? Because manufacturers are still working through the expensive beans they bought last year and are subtly changing recipes to use less cocoa.

In January, keep a close eye on your dairy bill. You should see a "trickle-down" savings on milk, cheese, and yogurt by mid-month. However, for chocolate, don't expect a price drop yet—instead, check the labels! If a bar suddenly stops calling itself "Milk Chocolate" and says "Chocolate Candy" or "Chocolaty Coating," the manufacturer has swapped out the cocoa for cheaper oils to save money.