The breakfast market in Spain is experiencing significant growth, with prices rising by 8% over the past year. This increase is largely attributed to surging costs of staples such as coffee, chocolate, and eggs, which have seen price hikes of nearly 20%.
Traditional Breakfast Costs Rise
Specifically, the average cost of a traditional breakfast, consisting of coffee, milk, sugar, and toast with oil, has increased by 8% in the last year. This rise far exceeds the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which stands at 2.7%. Last year, breakfast prices saw a 5% increase, amounting to a total growth of almost 14% over the past two years, according to an analysis conducted by Javier Rivas, a professor at EAE Business School.
Contributing Factors
The report highlights that coffee, a popular morning beverage in Spanish households, has jumped by 20.2%, compared to a 4.3% increase in 2024. Additionally, while milk prices have risen by 4.3%, this has been partially offset by a significant 19.3% drop in sugar prices.
However, the situation is not improving for consumers who prefer infusions, coffee, or hot chocolate, as their prices have surged by over 16.7%. This trend continues from the previous two years, during which prices approached a 40% increase.
Pastry and Bread Prices
Meanwhile, bakery and confectionery products, common in many households and cafés for breakfast, have recorded a modest increase of just under 2%. In contrast, bread and cereals have seen minimal changes, with only a 0.3% rise.
The analysis also notes a slowdown in the price of olive oil, a classic ingredient commonly used with toast. Rivas reports that the cost of olive oil has decreased by more than 40%, while other oils have increased by 18%. This solidifies olive oil as a popular choice for breakfast across various regions.
Implications for Consumers
“Breakfast has always been a meal comprising basic, accessible foods for many families and hospitality establishments. However, the indicator measuring the inflation of key breakfast foods, such as cocoa, coffee, wheat, and milk, shows a notable increase in prices. In Spain, the rises in coffee and chocolate products reflect a worrying trend that could lead to a shift in consumer habits, resulting in reduced quantities of some items or even skipping this essential morning meal,” Rivas commented.
Agencies EP
