Though the economy may be experiencing a modest expansion, there's growing signs that food prices will outplace GDP growth this year.
Food Economics - A CNBC Special Report
The consumer price index food costs is expected to increase 3 to 4 percent in 2011, after the smallest increase in almost 40 years in 2010.
Moreover, higher food prices showed up in the first-quarter earnings of major restaurant chains, such as McDonald's , Yum! Brandsand Chipolte Mexican .
Still, some say the increases aren't that noteworthy when put in historical context, and to some extent emerely reflect pent-up prices pressures in the food system coming out of the global recession.
What's you opinion?