Ukrainian families are already planning to celebrate the New Year 2026, and the issue of expenses for the festive table is becoming increasingly relevant. In recent years, food prices have risen significantly, impacting the budget of every family. To analyze the dynamics of the cost of the New Year’s menu, calculations were conducted by the Institute of Agricultural Economics, which annually compiles the price of a festive set for four people using a consistent list of products. This approach allows for long-term expense comparisons.
This is reported by Finway
What is Included in the Standard New Year’s Menu
The list of products traditionally considered for the calculation includes:
- Olivier salad;
- herring under a fur coat;
- fruit platter;
- hard cheese;
- meat products (sausages, baked pork, chicken);
- loaf of white bread;
- butter;
- non-alcoholic beverages;
- candies;
- vegetables;
- a selection of strong drinks.
Price Dynamics of the New Year’s Table from 2019 to 2026
The cost of the New Year’s menu for a family of four has changed significantly over the past eight years. In 2019, it was 1,535 UAH, and by 2026 it reached 3,980 UAH. The prices by year were as follows:
- 2019 — 1,535 UAH;
- 2020 — 1,620 UAH;
- 2021 — 1,706 UAH;
- 2022 — 1,845 UAH;
- 2023 — 2,655 UAH;
- 2024 — 2,879 UAH;
- 2025 — 3,594 UAH;
- 2026 — 3,980 UAH.
Overall, during this period, the New Year’s table has become 2.6 times more expensive. The prices of meat products, sausages, and cheeses have increased the most, while the cost of vegetables and fruits has risen more slowly and fluctuated depending on the season and market situation. The price increase is attributed to inflation, changes in the food market, and the impact of economic factors, including the war.
“Thus, the New Year’s table in 2026 will cost a Ukrainian family 3,980 UAH — almost 2.6 times more than in 2019.”
Therefore, maintaining the traditions of celebrating the New Year requires families to plan their budgets more carefully, as expenses for the festive table increase every year.