Blanca Valbuena

grocery and fruit prices in portugal

Food Prices In Portugal Up 30% Since The Beginning of The War

/ Europe Travel, Portugal Travel, Travel / By

I go food shopping daily; I am lucky to have a Supercor, a Lidl, and an Aldi nearby. I am sad to report that daily shopping is getting more painful by the day. Food prices have increased significantly. On average, the cost of essential food items has risen by 23% compared to the same month last year when Russias attacks started on Ukraine. 

How much have prices of food increased in Portugal

What food has increased the most?

If you click on the image above, you can see comparisons (apples to apples – and I am not trying to be punny) of how much food prices have increased yearly.

The most considerable increase is in fruits. What used to cost 23 Euros now costs 30 or more. That is almost a 31% increase. So if you like to eat healthy, you’re going to feel it in your wallet. 

It's not just fruit prices that went up.

The prices rose most when it came to fruits and vegetables, but everything else increased as well:

  • Dairy 25%
  • Meats 23%
  • Frozen food 143%

What Foods Increased Most?

  • Cabbage 92%
  • Carolina rice 76%
  • Tomato pulp 73%
  • Curly lettuce 72%
  • Carrots 57%
  • Mackerel 54
  • Onions 52%
  • Virgin olive oil 51%
  • White sugar 50% 
  • Cauliflower 48%

Why Has Portugal Seen Such High Increases?

Although Portugal has tons of land, the country is dependent on imports (particularly regarding cereals – which came from Ukraine). As a result, we currently only produce 3.5% of agricultural production, mostly corn, wheat, and rice. This and production costs have been the main drivers of these increases.

Is There Anything Positive About This?

Portugal is not dependent on Russia for energy, so our energy prices have increased, but not as much as other EU countries. For example, coal went up almost 30% in Portugal while the EU saw inflation at 66%, so that is a positive.

How To Save Money on Food In Portugal?

Since prices have increased, here are a few things I do to save on food costs:

  • Buy fruit and veg from Fruta Feia (Ugly Fruit). They sell delicious fruits and veggies that are “ugly,” bruised, or not the right color and, therefore, unsuitable for markets. 
  • Get your basics at the cheaper supermarkets: Lidl and Aldi. 
  • Go to the Mercados to buy your goods. Once you make friends with the vendors, they will give you fantastic deals. 
  • If you shop at Supercor, keep an eye on the second receipt. Those are good for saving money on future purchases. 

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