With Christmas around the corner, South African households are feeling the pinch as food prices continue to rise, especially on meat and festive staples.
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the average household food basket increased from R5 434 to R5 672 in the past year a jump of R238 for the same groceries.
Food inflation currently stands at 4.5%, while meat prices have risen by 11.7%, marking the highest increase in seven years. Overall inflation is 3.4%.
Meat prices hit record highs
Consumers say the price of meat has become unaffordable .
| Item | 2024 Price | 2025 Price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef (stewing) | R94.80/kg | R125.40/kg | +32% |
| Lamb | R85.00/kg | R108.80/kg | +28% |
| Pork | R45.00/kg | R50.50/kg | +12% |
| Chicken | R28.50/kg | R30.00/kg | +5% |
“Last year I could afford a beef roast for Christmas. This year I am sticking to chicken,” said a Shamila cooper a Wynberg shopper.
Experts attribute the rise to livestock diseases, drought conditions, and high feed costs that have reduced meat supply.
The cost of a Christmas table
A typical Christmas meal for four to six people will cost almost R100 more this year.
| Christmas Item | 2024 Cost | 2025 Cost | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef roast (2kg) | R140 | R160 | +R20 |
| Whole chicken (2kg) | R57 | R60 | +R3 |
| Lamb leg (1.5kg) | R127.50 | R163.20 | +R35.70 |
| Pork ribs (1kg) | R45 | R50.50 | +R5.50 |
| Rice (2kg) | R44 | R47 | +R3 |
| Vegetables and salads | R80 | R88 | +R8 |
| Bread and rolls | R35 | R40 | +R5 |
| Oil and seasoning | R25 | R28 | +R3 |
| Dessert ingredients | R60 | R68 | +R8 |
| Beverages (non-alcoholic) | R45 | R52 | +R7 |
Total Christmas dinner cost
2024 – R658.50
2025 – R756.70
Increase: R98.20 (14.9%)
Families feel the pressure
Professor Vimal Ranchhod from UCT’s Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit said low-income households are being hit hardest.
“The 3.4% inflation rate means that the standard bundle of goods is 3.4% more expensive than a year ago. Low-income families spend most of their income on food, so they feel it the most.”
He added that with the national minimum wage at R4 633, many families cannot afford a basic food basket costing R5 672.
“Households are forced to consume less, buy cheaper products, or try to earn more, which is difficult with high unemployment.”
Pantry staples also climbing
| Item | 2024 Price | 2025 Price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| White bread (loaf) | R15.50 | R16.80 | +8% |
| Fresh milk (litre) | R18.20 | R19.50 | +7% |
| Large eggs (dozen) | R35.00 | R38.00 | +9% |
| Rice (1kg) | R22.00 | R23.50 | +7% |
| Cooking oil (litre) | R32.00 | R34.50 | +8% |
Ranchhod noted that while inflation remains lower than in previous decades, many families are still struggling.
“Our current inflation rates are quite low by historical standards, but the effect on low-income households is severe.”
With less than a month until Christmas, many families are rethinking festive menus and finding creative ways to celebrate without overspending.
