From Tuna for Beef to Bread for Potatoes: How Soaring Prices Are Forcing Russians to Downsize Their Dinner Tables

As the cost of food skyrockets across Russia, many families are being forced to swap quality products for cheaper alternatives — or even outright substitutes.

Despite a nominal increase in incomes, rising prices have made staples like meat and red fish out of reach for countless Russians.

According to Rosstat, official inflation hit 11.94% in 2022, 7.42% in 2023, and is projected at 9.52% for 2024. In reality, say economists interviewed by “MO,” consumer prices are climbing by 20-30% per year.

Citizens agree: over the 3.5 years since the war began, prices in stores for various goods have jumped by 50-200% (1.5 to 3 times). Many people also complain about a decline in product quality.

Retail chains have responded by opening deep-discount stores—no-frills markets with a very limited selection, such as “Da!”, “Pobeda”, “Mayak”, “Yarche!” and “Chizhik”.

There were 1,500 “Chizhik” stores a year ago; by 2026, that number is expected to reach 5,000.

Alexandra, a resident of Chelyabinsk, notes that while people once tried to hide their visits to such discount shops, now “everyone shops at Chizhik—even those driving expensive cars.” And they’re willing to wait in long lines.

Here’s how Russian grocery baskets have transformed:

• Potatoes are replaced with bread and pasta

  
  

• Beef is swapped for chicken, turkey, or canned tuna

  
  

• Dry-cured sausages are replaced by boiled sausages and hot dogs

  
  

• Even the cheapest red fish, pink salmon, has given way to pollock

  
  

• Real red caviar is swapped for artificial substitutes

  
  

• Fresh juices are traded for nectars

  
  

• Imported beer is replaced with Russian brands.