Borscht Index in February: How Prices for Ukrainians' Favorite Dish Have Changed

Traditional Ukrainian borscht remains one of the most popular dishes in Ukrainian homes. However, in February 2025, its cost increased again due to the increase in the price of some key ingredients. Carrots and cabbage became the most expensive, while the price of onions, on the contrary, decreased. In general, the borscht index continues to show an upward trend.

The Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club (UKAB) Association analyzed monthly price fluctuations and determined the cost of cooking borscht according to the traditional recipe for a three-liter pot. Analysts tracked the prices of the main ingredients and calculated how much this dish has become more expensive over the past year.

According to the calculations of the Ukrainian Agricultural and Food Administration, to prepare borscht in February 2025, you need to spend: UAH 12.77 for cabbage (250 g), UAH 7.19 for beets (300 g), UAH 9.85 for potatoes (300 g), UAH 7.21 for carrots (200 g), UAH 2.35 for onions (150 g), UAH 33.08 for tomato paste (140 g), UAH 2.63 for vegetable oil (30 ml), UAH 88.15 for pork ribs (500 g), as well as additional costs for spices.

Over the year, some products have become much more expensive than others. Cabbage has increased in price by 68.8%, beets by 32.5%, potatoes by 30.9%, and carrots have added a record 147.4%. At the same time, onions have become cheaper by 8.1% over the past year. Other components have also become more expensive: tomato paste has increased in price by 6%, oil – by 32.7%, and pork ribs have even become cheaper by 4.3%.

As a result, the cost of a pot of borscht in February 2025 is 163 UAH. This is 12 UAH more expensive than a year ago, and 25 UAH more than in 2023. The gradual increase in the price of Ukrainians' favorite dish indicates general inflation and the rise in the price of food products on the market.

If you add traditional additions to borscht – two slices of loaf (50 g), a spoonful of sour cream (25 g) and a clove of garlic (5 g), the total cost of dinner will increase to 170 UAH. This once again confirms that even home cooking is becoming more expensive for Ukrainian consumers.