Food prices are expected to rise again in 2026, in a movement that will affect the budgets of many families. According to the Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies, some essential products could see increases of up to seven percent, which puts additional pressure on monthly expenses and raises the question about which products will increase the most in 2026.
Meat and fish lead the way
The association anticipates that meat and fish will register the most significant variations, around 7%. Justification combines several factors that impact the entire value chain, from production to distribution.
Feeds based on cereals and oilseeds have become more expensive, as have water management and logistics, increasing the final cost for the consumer. At the same time, new environmental and animal welfare requirements require additional investments, directly influencing prices on the shelves.
Impact of climate change
Extreme weather phenomena have affected agriculture and livestock, introducing instability in supply. This volatility has an impact on the value of raw materials and, consequently, on sales prices, explains the economic news website Ekonomista.
Fruits and vegetables are also expected to rise, pressured by operational costs and more demanding rules. Its evolution is particularly sensitive to the climate, which tends to increase fluctuations throughout the year.
Bread and pastry products are expected to register moderate increases, associated with labor reviews and the increase in the cost of eggs, nuts and cardboard. Despite cautious perspectives in the sector, pressure on production costs remains, indicates the same source.
Coffee and cocoa have accumulated increases, influenced by environmental conditions, international instability and market volatility. These goods, for regular consumption, are expected to continue to weigh heavily on family budgets.
Previous climb in eggs and continuation trend
Eggs rose by twenty-eight percent last year and the trend continues, supported by the cost of feed and animal welfare standards. Among the products that will increase the most in 2026, the sector also highlights this segment as particularly exposed.
Olive oil appears as an exception, with a predicted drop of fourteen percent after two historically high price campaigns, explains the . For 2026, the State Budget points to inflation of 2.1%, but food inflation has remained above average, which helps to explain the increase in the basic basket observed in the last year.
How to mitigate the impact on the budget
Comparing prices between surfaces, taking advantage of promotions and investing in private brands can reduce your monthly bill. Buying seasonal products and planning meals, with freezing surpluses, help to reduce waste and control expenses.
The combination of production costs, new rules and weather conditions suggests a demanding year for food consumption. In this context, monitoring expenses and adopting more efficient purchasing routines can help accommodate expected variations, in this circumstance that, as Ekonomista says, “The year 2026 brings with it a reality that many Portuguese families already feared”.
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