If you’re planning a braai anytime soon, you might want to brace yourself for a higher grocery bill. The latest Braai Index shows that the cost of a typical braai has increased again, continuing the upward trend seen so far in 2025.
According to an article on Business Tech, which looks at the latest data from the Pietermaritzburg Equity Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) group, the cost of essential braai items has risen by 1.1% from February to March and by 3.4% compared to this time last year. While prices haven’t reached the extreme highs seen in previous years, the steady increase is making South Africa’s favourite pastime more expensive.
What’s driving the price hikes?
The Braai Index tracks the prices of key ingredients used in a traditional braai, including meat (beef, wors, and chicken), vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions, and green peppers), and staples like maize meal and samp.
This month, the biggest culprit behind the price hike is vegetables, with carrots experiencing the steepest increase. However, on a year-on-year basis, maize meal remains the most affected item.
According to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), global maize prices have been climbing due to reduced supply from major producers like Brazil and Argentina. In South Africa, local stocks remain tight due to lower production in 2024 and strong regional demand.
For many, a braai isn’t complete without meat, and while some prices have gone down, others continue to rise. Beef prices have dipped slightly due to increased supply, but chicken and wors have become more expensive.
The BFAP also noted that weaner calf prices are increasing, which could lead to higher beef prices in the coming months. Meanwhile, pork and lamb prices—though not included in the Braai Index—have also seen month-on-month increases due to global supply challenges and high feed costs.
What else is affecting prices?
Animal diseases remain a concern for South Africa’s meat industry. Outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease in KwaZulu-Natal and concerns over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry could impact supply and pricing in the months ahead. However, a positive note is that egg prices have dropped, thanks to a recovery from the last bird flu outbreak.
What can we do?
While these price hikes are frustrating, there are ways to keep your braai affordable:
- Shop smart: Look out for bulk deals and promotions on meat and veggies.
- Try alternative meats: Chicken wings or pork cuts can be more affordable than steak.
- Stretch your sides: Salads, pap, and grilled vegetables can balance the cost of meat.
- Plan ahead: Prices can fluctuate, so keeping an eye on trends can help you buy at the right time.
Compiled by: Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
First published by Food & Home
