Braai Basket Costs Rise 4.1% in October

The cost of a typical South African braai basket climbed for a fifth consecutive month, though the annual increase slowed from September.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Inflation

Isometric editorial illustration of a braai grill with charcoal embers, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and boerewors arranged on a wooden table. — The cost of a typical South African braai basket rose 4.1% year-on-year in October, though the annual increase slowed from 5.2% in September. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The cost of a typical braai basket in South Africa rose 4.1% year-on-year in October 2026, according to the Braai Index. The annual increase slowed from 5.2% in September, and prices rose only 0.1% between the two months.

Why it matters

Higher energy and transport costs are feeding into food prices, as farmers rely on fuel and electricity and fresh produce must be carried to supermarkets. For households planning a weekend braai, the continued annual rise keeps everyday food budgets under pressure.

The Braai Index recorded a 4.1% year-on-year rise in October 2026, down from 5.2% in September, with prices up only 0.1% month-on-month. The source does not say whether the easing trend will continue in coming months.

The players

Economic Justice and Dignity Group

A Pietermaritzburg-based organisation whose pricing information forms the basis of the Braai Index.

BusinessTech

A South African business news publication that publishes the Braai Index.

The details

Tomatoes, potatoes and onions pushed braai basket costs higher, while beef, boerewors and chicken prices eased in the October Braai Index. The index tracks a basket of common meat, vegetable and household staple items using pricing data from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group.

September 2026: the annual braai basket increase stood at 5.2%.
October 2026: the basket rose 4.1% year-on-year, marking the fifth consecutive annual increase.

Inflation Trend

The October reading extends the Braai Index's five-month run of annual increases, although the annual rate eased from 5.2% in September to 4.1%. That slowdown is the first sign in this series of the year-on-year pace moderating within the streak.

For households, the 4.1% annual rise means a typical braai basket now costs noticeably more than a year earlier, squeezing weekend food budgets. Shoppers can expect beef, boerewors and chicken to be cheaper than in September, even as vegetables stay costly.

The takeaway

Watching the monthly change rather than only the annual figure can show whether braai costs are settling or still climbing. Meat prices easing while produce rises suggests shoppers may be able to offset some costs by adjusting what they buy.