With New Year’s Eve 2025 fast approaching, families across Russia are starting to plan their festive meals, but rising food prices are making it harder for many to stick to traditional menus. According to recent analysis, the cost of preparing classic dishes like Olivier salad and herring under fur coat has increased significantly compared to last year.
For families preparing for the celebrations, the price variations across different regions are notable. The Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) indicates the cost of New Year’s meal for a family of five hovers around 5,011 rubles. This amount typically covers the essentials for traditional dishes, various drinks, sweets, and fruits.
Price comparisons reveal stark disparities; for example, Novosibirsk families, with their New Year's Eve table aimed at four people, should expect to spend approximately 5,645 rubles. The range for festive meals varies tremendously across Russia—from 3,865 rubles in the Republic of Mordovia to 8,832 rubles in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. This reflects not only local market conditions but also the impact of inflation and regional pricing strategies.
Among the common delicacies on the holiday table, one finds salads, meat, fish dishes, and festive drinks. Traditional salads, particularly Olivier and herring under fur coat, often top the list for many households. Analysis from Atas.Info noted the retail prices of staple items like chicken, herring, and caviar are especially pronounced, likely due to local market prices.
Economic insights suggest the cost of the festive food basket for 2025 is projected to be around 9,140 rubles for four people, up from 8,050 rubles the previous year. "Today, the cost of the New Year's assortment of products is approximately 9,140 rubles for a family of four, compared to 8,050 rubles last year," says Victoria Bondarenko, professor of economic sciences. This wide-ranging increase can be attributed to several factors, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and competitive market pressures.
According to Rosstat’s November 2024 survey, the cost for traditional New Year's food is influencing many families throughout Russia, prompting them to alter their culinary plans. Notably, ingredients such as caviar, often deemed luxury items, have seen significant price hikes, straining household budgets.
Experts warn families to be prudent and creative when preparing for New Year’s gatherings. With rising prices, families may need to forgo some expensive ingredients or reconsider portions. While the festive spirit remains, the economic impact is nudging many to find more cost-effective solutions, including bulk purchasing for lasting pantry items, mixing high-price dishes with budget-friendly choices.
The rise in food costs correlates with broader economic trends, primarily driven by inflationary pressures across various sectors affecting Ukraine’s agricultural output and Russia's supermarket supply chains. Consequently, many planned menus might shift, reflecting both tradition and financial pragmatism.
So, as households gear up for the celebrations, they might reassess their shopping lists, prioritize local and budget-friendly items, and focus on the joy of gathering with loved ones rather than solely on the expense of the meal. When planning for New Year’s Eve, the art of balancing festive expectations with budgetary realities has never seemed more relevant.
Importantly, health experts also recommend moderation during the celebrations, advising against excessive indulgence, particularly with wealthy spreads. Dining with restraint is encouraged, considering the heavy nature of some dishes typically served. According to the local clinical staff, rich food combined with late-night feasting can lead to health complications, prompting suggestions for lighter dishes and the inclusion of fresh produce.
Despite the challenges posed by rising costs and the changing economic environment, New Year’s celebrations remain rich with cultural significance. With some careful planning and thoughtful ingredient choices, families can continue to celebrate this treasured occasion, blending festive traditions with fiscal awareness as they toast to another year.
