Official figures show the Food Price Index increased 0.3 percent in August, compared with a 0.7 percent decline the previous month.
Statistics New Zealand said vegetables rose 8.6 percent, led by tomatoes, lettuce, and broccoli.
That offset cheaper bread, which declined by 10 percent due to a supermarket price war which led to some brands being sold for $1.
The average price of the cheapest 600g loaf of white bread fell from $1.54 in mid-July to $1.10 in August. Prices peaked at $1.76 in August 2011.
Prices for cakes and biscuits fell 3.9 percent and fresh milk by 1.5 percent, while fruit fell 0.7 percent due to cheaper oranges and strawberries.
On an annual bass, food prices increased 0.7 percent, with restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food up 2.4 percent.
Meat, poultry, and fish prices increased 2 percent, while grocery food prices fell 0.6 percent, with declines in bread and chocolate.
That offset increases in fresh milk, cheese and butter.