The cost of traditional Ukrainian borscht continues to grow, reflecting the general trends in food prices in Ukraine. In March 2025, the price of preparing this dish increased compared to the previous month and the same period last year. Carrots and cabbage rose the most, which significantly affected the total cost of the "borscht basket".

The Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club (UKAB) Association conducted another market analysis and determined that in March this year, preparing a three-liter pot of borscht will cost UAH 177.49. This is UAH 14.49 more than in February, and UAH 29.49 more than a year ago.

How prices for main ingredients have changed

Over the past year, the price of carrots has increased the most significantly - by 271%. There was also a significant increase in price for cabbage (+71%) and beetroot (+51%). At the same time, onions were the only vegetable that fell in price year-on-year (-1%), although their price still rose by 5% in the last month.

As for other products, potatoes gained 26% in year-on-year terms, but their price fell by 2% in the last month. Oil rose by 38%, and pork ribs, the main source of protein in the traditional recipe, increased in price by 7% in the year and by 10% in the last month.

Calculation of the cost of borscht

To cook borscht for three liters of water, you need to spend:
- 250 g of cabbage – 12.6 UAH
- 300 g of beets – 8.1 UAH
- 300 g of potatoes – 9.69 UAH
- 200 g of carrots – 9.47 UAH
- 150 g of onions – 2.47 UAH
- 140 g of tomato paste – 35.08 UAH
- 30 ml of oil – 2.73 UAH
- 500 g of pork ribs – 97.35 UAH

Also add salt, bay leaf and spices to taste. The total cost of such borscht is 177.49 UAH.

How has the price of borscht changed since 2023

Compared to 2023, cooking borscht has become more expensive by UAH 34.49. The main factors behind this increase in price were the rapid increase in the cost of vegetables and meat products.

For those who like to complement their dish with bread and sour cream, the costs will be even higher. If you add two slices of loaf (50 g), a spoonful of sour cream (25 g) and a clove of garlic (5 g), the cost of a portion will increase to UAH 185.

Forecasts for the future

Analysts note that food prices continue to depend on the situation in the agricultural sector and the general economic situation in the country. Weather conditions, fuel costs and transportation costs have a particular impact.

Although in March some vegetables began to become cheaper on a monthly basis, the general trend towards price increases continues. Price adjustments are possible in the coming months, but experts are not yet predicting a drastic decrease in the cost of borscht.