The August 2026 Household Affordability Index shows a slight easing in the average cost of the national food basket. The basket fell by R50,72, a decrease of 0,9% month-on-month.
Despite this relief, several essential foods recorded sharp movements that continue to shape household affordability pressures. This Barometer highlights items with price changes greater than 4% month-on-month and year-on-year.
Month-on-Month Movements (July to August 2026)
Price Changes in Poultry and Meat Products (MoM)
| Product | % Change |
| Frozen chicken portions (10kg) | +5 % |
| Chicken feet (2kg) | -5 % |
| Gizzards (2kg) | +7 % |
| Chicken livers (2kg) | +3 % |
| Beef liver (2kg) | +8 % |
| Beef (2kg) | -2 % |
| Wors (2kg) | +4 % |
| Beef tripe (2kg) | -1 % |
Notable Price Changes in Food Items (MoM)
| Food item | % Change |
| Maize meal (30kg) | -4 % |
| Sugar beans (5kg) | -12 % |
| Soup (400g x2) | -4 % |
| Tomatoes (6kg) | -18 % |
| Carrots (5kg) | -8 % |
| Spinach (8 bunches) | -4 % |
| Cabbage (2 heads) | -6 % |
| Green pepper (2kg) | -6 % |
| Bananas (4kg) | -4 % |
| Apples (3kg) | -8 % |
| Oranges (7kg) | -17 % |
| Potatoes (10kg) | +7 % |
| Onions (10kg) | +4 % |
| Butternut (10kg) | +8 % |
Year on Year Movements (August 2025 to August 2026)
Price Changes in Poultry and Meat Products (YoY)
| Product | % Change |
| Frozen chicken portions (10kg) | +5 % |
| Chicken feet (2kg) | -5 % |
| Gizzards (2kg) | +7 % |
| Chicken livers (2kg) | +3 % |
| Beef liver (2kg) | +8 % |
| Beef (2kg) | -2 % |
| Wors (2kg) | 4 % |
| Beef tripe (2kg) | -1 % |
Notable Price Movements in Food Items (YoY)
| Food item | % Change |
| Maize meal (30kg) | -11 % |
| Rice (10kg) | -9 % |
| Sugar beans (5kg) | -12 % |
| Samp (5kg) | -4 % |
| Salt (1kg) | +11 % |
| Tomatoes (6kg) | 15 % |
| Carrots (5kg) | 10 % |
| Oranges (7kg) | -22 % |
| Apples (3kg) | -6 % |
| Fish (2kg) | +9 % |
| Tinned pilchards (6 tins) | +11 % |
| Bananas (4kg) | +12 % |
Source: PMBEJD May 2026 Household Affordability Index
Key Insights for South African Households
Vegetables remain volatile: Tomatoes, carrots, onions and butternut continue to show sharp movements. Tomatoes dropped significantly month-on-month but remain elevated year-on-year.
Staples show mixed behaviour: Maize meal and rice continue their downward trend, offering some relief. Bread prices continue to rise year-on-year.
Protein pressures persist: Beef, fish, pilchards and beef liver all show year on year increases above 5%. Frozen chicken portions eased month on month but remain higher than last year.
Fruit prices are unstable: Oranges and apples fell sharply month on month. Bananas increased year-on-year.
Global Food Prices: FAO Food Price Index (July to August 2026)
Global food prices eased slightly in August 2026, continuing the stabilisation trend seen through mid‑year. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 124,6 points, a decrease of 0,7% from July. Although the headline index moved only marginally, several key commodity groups recorded notable shifts that influence South Africa’s food inflation outlook.
Cereal prices fell modestly as improved harvest expectations in North America and parts of Europe offset earlier weather‑related concerns. Wheat and maize prices softened, contributing to the overall decline in the index.
Vegetable oil prices increased slightly due to stronger demand for palm and sunflower oil in Asia and the Middle East. This movement aligns with the gradual upward pressure seen locally on cooking oil.
Dairy prices declined for the third consecutive month. Lower cheese and butter prices drove the decrease, supported by strong export availability from Oceania.
Global meat prices rose moderately. Higher demand for poultry and bovine meat in Asia and the Middle East supported the increase. This trend mirrors the upward pressure seen in South Africa’s beef and poultry categories year on year.
Sugar prices fell sharply, reaching their lowest level since late 2020. Improved production prospects in Brazil and India contributed to the decline. This global trend contrasts with South Africa’s continued upward movement in white sugar prices.
What this means for South Africa
Global food markets remain relatively stable, but volatility persists in specific categories.
The decline in cereals and dairy provides some relief for import‑linked products, while rising global meat and vegetable oil prices continue to filter into domestic supply chains.
The sharp drop in global sugar prices has not yet translated into local retail prices, suggesting domestic cost drivers remain elevated.