The 2026 Easter basket has gotten more expensive: how much will Ukrainians have to spend?
24 March 11:54
In 2026, the cost of a traditional Easter basket for a family of four will be approximately 1,903 UAH, which is 14.4% higher than last year. The main reasons for the price increase are rising food and energy prices, as well as the consequences of the war. This was reported by the National Scientific Center “Institute of Agrarian Economics,” according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
How much will an Easter basket cost in 2026?
According to scientists’ estimates, a standard set of products—Easter bread, eggs, sausage, smoked pork, lard, butter, cheese, horseradish, and salt—will cost Ukrainians an average of 1,903 UAH.
As noted by Yuriy Lupenko, director of the Institute of Agrarian Economics, Ukrainians will have to spend more on holiday foods.
“In April 2026, traditional items in the Easter basket will cost approximately 1,903 UAH, which is 14.4% more expensive than last year,” the expert said.
Why has the Easter cake become more expensive?
One of the main symbols of Easter is the Easter cake, which has also risen in price.
According to experts’ estimates, homemade Easter bread will cost approximately 266.89 UAH per kilogram, which is 14.6% more than in 2025.
The reasons for the price increase are:
- eggs—by 19.3%
- milk — by 49.6%
- flour — by 38.6%
- yeast — by 12.8%
- raisins — by 14.1%.
At the same time, sugar became about 18% cheaper.
Which foods are the most expensive
Meat products traditionally account for the largest share of expenses.
Specifically:
- homemade sausage (0.5 kg) — about 287 UAH
- smoked pork (0.5 kg) — about 353 UAH
- pork fat (0.5 kg) — approximately 123 UAH.
At the same time, the price of homemade sausage has risen by over 35% over the past year, and that of smoked pork by 16.5%.
Among dairy products, the most expensive remain:
- hard cheese — about 298 UAH per 0.5 kg
- butter — about 292 UAH
- soft cheese — about 157 UAH.
How much will an expanded Easter basket cost?
If you add vegetables, fruits, and Cahors wine to the basket, the cost could rise to 2,348 UAH, which is nearly 17% more than last year.
In particular, the following have become significantly more expensive:
- tomatoes — up to 278 UAH per kg
- cucumbers — up to 275 UAH per kg
- apples — by approximately 17%.
The average price of a bottle of Cahors wine is about 189 UAH.
Why prices are rising
Experts explain that the main reasons for the price increases are:
- the consequences of the war
- a decline in production
- rising logistics costs
- rising energy costs
- a decline in purchasing power.
“The rising cost of the Easter basket is due to the consequences of the war, economic losses, and rising energy prices,” explained Yuriy Lupenko.
Ukrainians are forced to save
According to experts, in 2026, many Ukrainians will be forced to cut back on spending on holiday food.
Some families may:
- reduce the amount of food
- give up expensive meat products
- buy cheaper alternatives
- limit themselves to Easter bread and eggs.
At the same time, experts express hope that Ukrainians will support one another, especially during these difficult times.
