Every day we receive comments to the effect that the “basic basket in Cuba” cannot even be called that. The criticism comes not only for the delays, but also for the scarcity of food in ridiculous quantities. So, Cubans, what would be an ideal Basic Basket?
The “basic basket” is not a Cuban invention; it exists in many nations for times of crisis, as it did, for example, in Spain, during the initial crisis in Ukraine. All countries have their “ideal basic basket,” which is far from the one that most Cubans depend on. Let’s look at some examples.
In 2022, the Second Vice President of the Spanish Government, Yolanda Díaz, proposed the creation of a “basic shopping basket” made up of 30 products, each with fixed maximum prices, so that the total cost would not exceed 30 euros.
Ideal basic basket in Spain. Attention Cubans
What did this basic basket contain? Well, 30 products, which is quite a lot: Fine sea salt 1 kilogram. Wheat flour 1 kilogram. Very fine peas 250 grams. Chicken broth 1 liter. Vegetable spirals 500 grams. Sweet corn 285 grams. Whole piquillo peppers 225 grams. Sliced mushrooms 230 grams. Tuna in sunflower oil 143 grams. Meatballs in simple sauce 415 grams.
In addition to bread with crust, 460 grams. Maxi burger bread 300 grams. Lemon tea bottle 1.5 liters. Orange, lemon and carrot juice 1 liter. White wine vinegar 1 liter. Sunflower oil 1 liter.
As if that were not enough, a packet of Maria biscuits 800 grams. Ground coffee 250 grams. Oat flakes 500 grams. Corn cereal 500 grams. Peach jam 330 grams. White chocolate 100 grams. Toilet paper 12 rolls. Dishwashing liquid 1.3 liters. Detergent 1 liter. Scented bleach 2 liters. Window cleaner in spray gun 1 liter. Dentalyss toothpaste 75 milliliters. Ultra-thin sanitary pads 16 units. Shower gel 1 liter.
This is how Mexico and Argentina are formed
The basic basket in Mexico includes a set of essential foods and products that guarantee the minimum nutrition of a person for a given period.
The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) is responsible for analyzing and collecting data on the products most consumed by the population, their costs, and the variation in prices in the different states. With this information, the Bank of Mexico defines the official list of the basic basket.
Let’s see how it was made up in February of this year: it has approximately 47 products for urban areas and 44 for rural areas. The main foods are: corn, beans, rice, sugar, oil, milk, eggs, bread, tortillas, chicken, beef, fish, fruits and vegetables.
In Argentina, the list is also long: Beef, pork, poultry, etc., and derivatives. Fish and derivatives. Dairy products and derivatives. Eggs. Vegetables. Legumes. Fruits. Greens. Nuts and other primary foods. Spices. Cereals and their derivatives. Fats and oils.
Food preparations (pasta, sauces, baked goods, jams, canned goods, etc.). Non-alcoholic beverages. Body deodorants. Shaving machines and foam. Toilet soap. Toilet paper. Toothpaste. Feminine protection. Detergents. Medicines put up for retail sale.
What do you think, Cubans? Without any intention of comparison, leave your opinion in the comments.
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