Beef price rise pushes up taco costs, Texas restaurants report
7 reported
A single-source report from NPR describes rising beef prices affecting taco restaurants in Texas. At Monchy’s taqueria in Houston, ingredient buyer Lucinea Canyfer Vazquez said beef prices have increased by about $2 a pound since last year, prompting the restaurant to raise its Taco Tuesday special from $1.00 to $1.50 per taco. Wholesale beef prices were up nearly 16% from May 2026 compared to May 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which expects prices to increase by more than 9% in 2026. Taqueros across Texas say the price hike compounds rising fuel costs and steady inflation. A spokesperson for the Texas Restaurant Association noted that taco businesses can only raise prices so much before affordability disappears. Some customers are switching to cheaper options like chicken and pork, though regulars like Jessey Rojas said he continues ordering steak fajitas regardless of cost.
What’s reported
Beef prices have increased by about $2 a pound since last year, according to Monchy’s ingredient buyer Lucinea Canyfer Vazquez.
Monchy’s raised its Taco Tuesday special from $1.00 to $1.50 per taco.
Wholesale beef prices were up nearly 16% from May 2026 compared to May 2025, per the USDA.
The USDA expects beef prices to increase by more than 9% in 2026.
Taqueros across Texas report the price hike as the latest hit amid rising fuel costs and steady inflation.
Taco trucks struggle because they cannot purchase in bulk and are less likely to raise prices, according to Tacos of Texas podcast host Mando Rayo.
Some customers at Monchy’s are turning to cheaper options like chicken and pork.
Key figures
Lucinea Canyfer Vazquez, ingredient buyer at Monchy’s taqueria in Houston
Kelsey Erickson Streufert, spokesperson for the Texas Restaurant Association
Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast
Alonzo Peraza, owner of Trap Tacos food truck
Jessey Rojas, regular customer at Monchy’s
Sources: NPR
