Consumers during Lenten season are facing significant price increases across a range of traditional fasting foods, with some products rising by more than 30% compared to last year.
New data shows that staples commonly consumed during this period—including seafood, legumes, and canned goods—have all recorded notable hikes, driving up the overall cost of Lenten meals and adding strain to household budgets.
Among the sharpest increases are canned sardines, a popular and affordable protein source during fasting. Prices for sardines in olive oil rose by nearly 40%, from €1.99 in 2025 to €2.78 in 2026. Sardines in vegetable oil and spicy variants also climbed by more than 32%, now costing €2.64 compared to €1.99 last year.
Other essential items have also become more expensive. Stuffed vine leaves (dolmadakia yalantzi) increased by 16.67%, while baked giant beans rose by 14.56%. Imported pickled vegetables saw a more moderate increase of 12.76%.
Seafood products showed mixed trends. While prices for squid in brine remained relatively stable, with a marginal increase of just over 1%, overall seafood costs remain elevated compared to previous years.
The widespread price hikes reflect a broader upward trend in food costs, making this year’s Lenten table noticeably more expensive. For many households, the combination of rising prices across multiple categories is expected to further tighten already strained budgets.
