While last month's consumer price index showed that food prices were effectively flat month over month, tariff-sensitive items like coffee beans, specialty teas and spices are showing signs of inflation, worrying small businesses selling those products.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coffee prices surged 14.5% in July year over year. The average retail price for a pound of ground coffee hit $8.41. Overall, food prices were unchanged from June to July but remained 2.9% higher than a year ago, the data showed.

Jessica Simons, owner of Bethany's Coffee Shop in Lincoln, Nebraska, told CNBC that her shop has seen prices go up 18% to 25% since January.

"We had to put a 3% fee on the coffee because we are waiting for our new menus to be printed, reflecting the new price," said

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