Since the wave of inflation in September 2021, prices for cheap food have skyrocketed. According to the Chamber of Labor‘s price monitor, penne pasta and flour have been particularly affected, becoming around 90 percent more expensive, followed by tea butter and sunflower oil, which have risen by around 64 percent – but also basic foods such as eggs, bread and milk. Compared to the previous year, prices remain high.
Even for a quick meal, you have to dig deeper into your pockets: a pizza Margherita or fish fingers from the freezer now cost significantly more than they did three years ago.
Specifically: Since September 2021, there have been almost only price increases – of the 40 cheap food and cleaning products checked, only liquid laundry detergent became cheaper (minus five percent).
This is how prices for inexpensive food have increased since September 2021 (rounded in percent):
| Product | Inflation since autumn 2021 |
| Penne pasta | + 90 % |
| Flour | + 88 % |
| strained tomatoes | + 87 % |
| Teebutter | + 64 % |
| Sunflower oil | + 63 % |
| French fries, Margherita pizza | + 58 % |
| Tomatoes, Travel | + 54 % |
| Eggs, Gouda, fish fingers | + 40 % |
Shopping basket with 40 cheapest groceries
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A shopping basket containing 40 of the cheapest food items and some cleaning products became 3.2 percent more expensive on average across all retail chains and discounters surveyed between September 2023 and 2024. Supermarkets charge an average of 9.2 percent more than discounters.
“People must be able to afford life,” says Gabriele Zgubic, head of the Consumer Policy Working Group. “Prices are still high, they are just not rising as steeply now. The next federal government must do everything in its power to ensure that food remains affordable.”
In the interests of its four million members, the AK is demanding a fairness package for affordable food from the next federal government, specifically: an independent anti-inflation commission that monitors prices and a removal of the Austrian surcharge on branded food products.
About the price monitor: The AK Wien collected and compared the basic prices of 40 food and cleaning products for weekly use in seven Viennese supermarkets (Billa, Billa Plus, Spar, Interspar) and at discounters (Hofer, Lidl, Penny) in September 2024.
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What factors are contributing to the skyrocketing prices of cheap food items?
The Skyrocketing Cost of Cheap Food: A Growing Concern for Consumers
The cost of cheap food has skyrocketed since September 2021, with prices of staples like penne pasta, flour, and sunflower oil increasing by as much as 90%. This surge in prices has put a significant burden on consumers, making it difficult for them to afford basic necessities.
According to the Chamber of Labor’s price monitor, the prices of 40 cheap food and cleaning products have increased significantly since September 2021. Penne pasta and flour have seen the largest price hikes, with increases of 90% and 88%, respectively. Tea butter and sunflower oil have also seen significant price jumps, with increases of 64% and 63%, respectively. Even basic foods
The Alarming Rise of Cheap Food Prices: What’s Behind the Skyrocketing Costs?
Since September 2021, the prices of everyday food items have increased dramatically, leaving many consumers wondering why their favorite cheap eats are no longer affordable. According to the Chamber of Labor’s price monitor, staple foods like penne pasta, flour, and eggs have seen astronomical price hikes, with some items increasing by as much as 90% in just a few years. Even quick meal options like pizza Margherita and fish fingers have become significantly more expensive.
The Price Increase Breakdown
The Chamber of Labor’s price monitor reveals that out of 40 common food and cleaning products, only one item – liquid laundry detergent – has decreased in price. Here’s a breakdown of the staggering price increases for some of the most popular cheap food items:
| Product | Inflation since autumn 2021 |
| — | — |
| Penne pasta | + 90% |
| Flour | + 88% |
| Strained tomatoes | + 87% |
| Tea butter | + 64% |
| Sunflower oil | + 63% |
| French fries, Margherita pizza | + 58% |
| Tomatoes, Travel | + 54% |
| Eggs, Gouda, fish fingers | + 40% |
What Factors are Contributing to the Skyrocketing Prices of Cheap Food Items?
Several factors have contributed to the alarming rise in cheap food prices. Some of the key factors include:
- Global Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have led to supply chain disruptions, resulting in higher production and transportation costs.
- Rising Transportation Costs: Increased fuel prices and transportation costs have trickled down to consumers, making everyday food items more expensive.
- Climate Change and Weather Events: Extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heatwaves have affected crop yields, leading to shortages and price increases.
- Inflation and Currency Fluctuations: Economic instability and currency fluctuations have contributed to rising food prices, as countries struggle to maintain stable economies.
- Tariffs and Trade Wars: Trade wars and tariffs have led to increased costs for imported goods, affecting the prices of staple foods like pasta, rice, and cereals.
How Can Consumers Cope with the Rising Cost of Cheap Food?
While the price increases may seem daunting, there are ways for consumers to adapt and make their budgets stretch further:
- Meal Planning and Budgeting: Plan meals in advance, and budget accordingly to avoid last-minute takeout or convenience foods.
- Buy in Bulk and Stock Up: Purchasing staple items in bulk can help reduce costs in the long run.
- Opt for Generic or Store Brands: Consider switching to generic or store-brand alternatives for everyday items like pasta, rice, and canned goods.
- Explore Alternative Protein Sources: Consider plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, or tofu, which are often cheaper than meat.
- Support Local Farmers and Markets: Buying locally sourced produce can help reduce transportation costs and support the local economy.
As the prices of cheap food items continue to rise, it’s essential for consumers to be mindful of their spending habits and adapt
