Filling the fridge is becoming a headache for many households, especially those with more modest incomes. Food and non-alcoholic beverages have risen an average of 14.4% in just one year, a rise that has not been recorded for at least three decades, according to figures published today by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) .
Although inflation seems to have peaked after two consecutive months of declines –in September it was 8.9% compared to 10.8% in July-, the main foods that make up the shopping basket continue to rise in price. The list of those that have increased their price the most since September 2021 is headed by oils, flour, butter, pasta, sauces and condiments, bakery products, milk, eggs and canned fruit.
Most food products have seen double-digit increases in the last year. The most pronounced evolution corresponds to the group made up of sunflower, soybean, colza and corn oils, which has shot up 66%, well above the increase in prices registered in the case of olive oil, which has risen 14.1%.
Flour and cereals -such as oats, wheat, barley and rye- have experienced a rise of 39%; butter, 33%; pasta and couscous, 30%; sauces and condiments, 28%, and bakery products -such as cookies, buns, cakes, crepes, waffles and cakes-, 26%. Also, buying a liter of milk now costs 25% more than a year ago and the rise is 24% in the case of eggs.
Other commonly consumed foods that have become notably more expensive are yogurts (19%) and frozen legumes and vegetables (19%). As for the meat group, poultry has risen 18%, beef 15% and pork and lamb 11%. In addition, the data published today by the INE show increases of more than one digit in daily consumption products such as cheese (16%), potatoes (16%) and bread (15%).
The substantial increase in the price of basic products led the Government last September to ask the large distribution platforms to moderate their profit margins and offer a shopping basket at affordable prices and with fresh products. However, the distribution rejected the proposal and requested a VAT reduction for certain products, as has been done with gas and electricity bills.
To cushion the effect of the rise in food prices, households are changing their consumption habits by acquiring a greater proportion of private label foods, taking advantage of promotions or finding alternatives to products with more exorbitant prices. However, the increase -more than 10%- that most foods have registered makes the cut inevitable, and the distribution already perceives a decrease in the number of products that make up the purchase tickets, which translates into more austere menus .
