Rosh Hashanah Meal Costs Surge Amid Rising Food Prices in Israel

Preparations for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday in Israel are expected to be more expensive this year, with significant price increases noted for several staple food items. A survey of prices indicates a general rise of 2.5% to 5% in the average holiday shopping basket, depending on the supermarket chain. However, the price hikes are more pronounced for specific products.

Key items experiencing notable price jumps include honey, pomegranates, wine, and fish. For instance, a liter of 'Yad Mordechai' honey now costs around 40 shekels, a stark contrast to private label brands priced between 17.90 and 19.90 shekels. Pomegranates, a traditional symbol of the holiday, have also seen their price per kilogram increase from a previous range of 3.90-5.90 shekels to 7.90-14.90 shekels. A bottle of Carmel Winery wine has risen from 31.90 to 36.90 shekels, and the average price for a whole fish has climbed from approximately 80 to 90-95 shekels.

These increases contribute to a growing holiday expenditure, with the average shopping basket for Rosh Hashanah now estimated at around 1,500 shekels. While the overall percentage increase might seem moderate, the cumulative effect on a large holiday purchase is substantial. Consumers are advised that price comparisons between different supermarket chains can lead to savings of hundreds of shekels on a single shopping trip, especially given the wide price disparities between brands and stores for essential holiday items.

Beyond specific price hikes, the article also touches upon consumption habits. In 2025, the average Israeli consumed 20.2 kg of beef, a 7% increase from the previous year, and around 51 kg of chicken per person annually. Sales of chicken, in particular, surge by about 35% in the period leading up to Rosh Hashanah. Pomegranate consumption also peaks around the holiday, with about 16% of the annual total of 2.8 kg per person sold in the week before Rosh Hashanah.