Food prices in Egypt have seen sharp increases over the past year, putting pressure on household budgets. According to OWL Research, the average daily cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner for one person in Egypt reached 138 EGP. This calculation covers food expenses only and does not include gas, electricity, or transportation.
Meal Cost Breakdown
- Breakfast (30 EGP on average):
A traditional Egyptian breakfast includes affordable yet nutritious staples:- Ful (bean dish) – 10 EGP
- Falafel – 5 EGP
- Bread – 5 EGP
- Salad – 5 EGP
- Cup of tea – 5 EGP
- Lunch (78 EGP on average):
Lunch remains the most expensive meal of the day, largely due to protein costs:- Half a chicken – 60 EGP
- Rice dish – 8 EGP
- Salad – 5 EGP
- Fried or cooked potatoes – 5 EGP
- Dinner (30 EGP on average):
Dinner is lighter and relatively cheaper, costing the same as breakfast:- 250g white cheese – 15 EGP
- Two eggs – 7 EGP
- Bread – 3 EGP
- Cup of tea – 5 EGP
What This Means for Egyptians
At 138 EGP per person per day, food costs represent a significant portion of income for many families. This also means:
- A household of four people would spend an average of 552 EGP per day just on meals.
- Monthly, this adds up to more than 16,000 EGP per family, excluding rent, utilities, and transportation.
This underscores the impact of inflation on basic food security. Protein sources like chicken, eggs, and cheese are now major drivers of household expenses, while traditional staples such as ful, falafel, and bread remain essential for affordability.
Why Tracking Meal Costs Matters
Monitoring average food costs in Egypt is important for:
- Families & individuals: to better plan budgets.
- Businesses & FMCG brands: to understand changing consumption behaviors.
- Policy makers & researchers: to measure the impact of inflation and adjust social protection programs.
Conclusion
By late 2023 and into 2024, the average Egyptian requires 138 EGP daily for three meals. This highlights not only the rising cost of living but also the shifting dietary balance between affordable staples and expensive proteins.
Staying informed about food price trends is essential for making smarter financial, policy, and business decisions in Egypt’s fast-changing economy.
