Lorraine Williamson
2025 grocery prices in Spain continued their upward trajectory in March, with the average shopping basket rising by 0.55%. Since the beginning of the year, this marks a 1.31% increase overall. According to a report by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU), some of the sharpest hikes were recorded in everyday essentials, with eggs and pre-packaged lettuce each surging by 24%.
The OCU analysed more than 100 products across eight major supermarket chains in Spain to assess how prices shifted over the past month. Their findings suggest a complex mix of factors is driving these increases, particularly in the case of eggs.
Eggs and lettuce lead the climb
Egg prices have spiked due to a combination of market speculation, rising production costs—including energy—and increasing demand at the European level. Concerns about avian flu outbreaks have also added pressure to supply chains. The OCU noted that difficulties in the US market may be influencing global pricing trends, with knock-on effects reaching Spain.
Packaged salad leaves, a convenience staple for many households, also saw a sharp price rise. The reasons are less clear, but ongoing challenges in the agricultural sector and higher distribution costs are likely contributors.
Wider impact across food categories
The rise in prices wasn’t limited to eggs and salad. Fruit and vegetables overall became nearly 6% more expensive in March. Key increases included onions, up by 13%, oranges by 11%, and green peppers by 7%. Tomatoes, minced meat, and yogurt each saw rises of around 5%.
Meanwhile, meat products climbed by 1.45%, fish by 0.64%, and even everyday hygiene and farmacy items crept up by 0.46%.
Some relief in select products
Despite the general trend, a few items saw price drops. Extra virgin olive oil, for instance, became 6% cheaper, while cooked ham fell by 5%. Mild olive oil, pears, and milk each declined by around 1–2%. There were also slight reductions in some food categories, with beverages down by 0.73%, dairy products by 0.34%, and groceries in select cases becoming 0.79% cheaper.
Long-term costs still a concern
Although recent price increases have eased compared to last year’s peaks, the OCU warns that food costs remain significantly higher than before. In fact, the average price of food is still 35.5% higher than it was three years ago.
In response, the consumer organisation is calling on the Spanish government to reverse the second VAT increase implemented in January. It also advocates for VAT reductions on meat and fish, citing their role as staple items in most households.