Braai Index Shows Food Inflation Eases to 4.1%
Annual food inflation slowed in October, though prices have risen for a fifth consecutive month.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Inflation
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The Braai Index recorded annual food inflation of 4.1% in October, down from 5.2% in September, while food prices rose 0.1% month-on-month. Checkers was the cheapest of the major South African grocers surveyed, with a braai basket costing R629.87.
Why it matters
Food prices have now increased for a fifth consecutive month, so the slower annual rate does not yet mean shoppers are paying less. The pricing comparison shows a wide gap between retailers for the same basket of goods.
The Braai Index, which uses full retail prices with no specials applied, recorded 4.1% annual inflation in October against 5.2% in September, with food prices up 0.1% month-on-month. Woolworths' basket cost R172 more than Checkers' at R801.87 versus R629.87, while a 2kg pack of frozen chicken costs R144.99 at Woolworths against R94.99 at Checkers and Pick n Pay.
The players
Checkers
Checkers is a South African supermarket chain, part of the Shoprite Group, and was the cheapest of the major grocers in this braai basket comparison.
Pick n Pay
Pick n Pay is a South African retailer with a large national supermarket network, and its braai basket cost R694.87 in the survey.
Woolworths
Woolworths is a South African retailer known for its premium food offering, and its braai basket was the most expensive in the comparison at R801.87.
The details
Vegetable prices rose on the back of higher costs for tomatoes, potatoes and onions, while farmers face higher energy costs and retailers pay more for freight and logistics. Inflation is projected to cool in November following a R10 billion fuel price relief package, although energy pressures are expected to persist into 2027.
Timeline
October 2026: The Braai Index recorded 4.1% annual inflation.
November 2026: Inflation is projected to cool after the fuel price relief package.
2027: Energy pressures are expected to persist.
Macro View
The October reading comes after a run of rising food prices tracked by the Braai Index's monthly series, which has now recorded a fifth consecutive monthly increase. Against the September high of 5.2%, the slower annual rate points to a moderating trend, though the series shows prices still climbing in the short term.
A household buying a braai basket could pay up to R172 more at Woolworths than at Checkers for the same goods, so comparing prices before shopping can make a noticeable difference. With food prices still rising month to month, budgets may not feel the slower annual rate yet.
The takeaway
A slower annual inflation rate does not mean prices are falling, so shoppers comparing baskets across retailers can still find savings of more than R170 on the same goods.
What happens next
Inflation is projected to cool in November 2026 following the R10 billion fuel price relief package, which will show whether the slowdown continues.
Further reading
For more on how price pressures are moving across the economy, see Inflation coverage on South African food and fuel costs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dailyinvestor.
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