Basic food basket 2025: where to buy or how to get assistance!

The basic food basket was regulated on April 30, 1938, by decree no. 399 of the federal government. It consists of a list of 13 products considered essential for a person's nutrition for a period of one month. These are: rice, beans, meat, milk, flour, tomatoes, potatoes, bread, coffee, bananas, sugar, butter, and oil.

Some basic food baskets sold in stores and supermarkets also include hygiene items and more complete options, with costs varying depending on the extras included and the brands of the products in the basket. Each region of the country has its own adaptations.

We wrote this article for you who want to know more about current basket prices in Brazil, where to find prices that fit your family's budget, and how to benefit from government aid, a constitutional right.

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Current values of the basic food basket 

The aftermath of the pandemic has left inflation high, a factor that has directly impacted food prices across the country. These prices have been showing ups and downs over the months, and it's important to weigh what's worth it and what's not when shopping at the grocery store.

Talking about the price of a basic food basket is highly relative, as the product composition also varies according to each region of the country. However, we've provided these values, based on the data from agencies responsible for tracking these prices.

O DIEESE (Inter-Union Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies) carries out the National Basic Food Basket Survey monthly, and released the report from last September, which showed a drop in prices in 12 capitals of Brazil. 

National Basic Food Basket Survey

Places where there were the most significant reductions: Aracaju (-3.87%), Recife (-3.03%), Salvador (-2.88%) and Belém (-1.95%). Most significant increases: (1.88%), Campo Grande (1.83%), Natal (0.14%), São Paulo (0.13%) and Florianópolis (0.05%)

The capital where the set of basic foods had the highest cost was São Paulo (R$750.74), followed by Florianópolis (R$746.55), Porto Alegre (R$743.94) and Rio de Janeiro (R$714.14).

In the cities of the North and Northeast, where the composition of the basket is different, the lowest average values were recorded in Aracaju (R$ 518.68), Salvador (R$560.31), João Pessoa (R$562.32) and Recife (R$580.01)

Among the foods that lead the ranking of the most expensive are: wheat flour (up 4,14%), butter (+ 1,76%), milk (+ 1,62%) and bananas (+ 1,49%). You can find this and more data on the rise or fall of these items in more detail at September national survey.

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Websites with the best prices for buying basic food baskets

Some online stores sell basic food baskets at a wide range of prices, from the simplest and with just a few items to complete kits that also include hygiene products and top-rated brands. Here are some online stores:

Extra

O Extra Supermarket presents values starting from R$93.28 (value of the food basket only) and which vary according to the quantity of items, being able to acquire more complete options that also include hygiene products, with the value reaching R$428.72.

Free market

O Free market It's a great alternative for three reasons: affordable price, wide selection, and shipping included on many options. You'll need to do some research to find the best value. Prices start at R$$78.90 and go up to R$$275.00 (36 items).

Magazine Luiza

The advantages of buying from Magazine Luiza The main advantages are the payment terms, with interest-free installments of up to 10x and a discount via Pix. Prices range from R$$49.90 to the most complete package at R$$530.00.

It's important to always check the quantity and quality of items before making your purchase and to conduct thorough market research. Another tip is to look for local merchants; they often sell at much lower prices than traditional markets. 

Government's basic food basket assistance

According to federal Constitution, every Brazilian has the right to access food, and if someone doesn't have this access, the government must provide programs that provide them with the means to eat. Many people don't realize this, but this and other benefits are rights of Brazilian citizens protected by law. 

The National Basic Food Basket was once a benefit for everyone registered with CadÚnico, but this law was abolished in 2003, when Bolsa Família was implemented and with it the unification of some other social programs.

Who is entitled?

If your monthly family income is up to three minimum wages, or your monthly per capita income is up to half the minimum wage, you qualify as a low-income family. This criterion may entitle you to certain benefits, including a basic food basket.

But in order to be able to adhere to these benefits, you must be registered with Single Registration. Government database that identifies these people in more vulnerable situations, contributing to the creation of these public policies.

Visit this website and fill out all your information. If you have any questions, seek help from someone close to you and you trust. Social Assistance from your city's City Hall or the nearest CRAS (Social Assistance Reference Center).

Many people face difficulties and are unable to access social programs because they are unaware that they exist and are prepared to provide for this lack, and they are unaware of the laws that guarantee civil rights. 

Did this content help you?

Now that you've learned about the basic food basket prices for the second half of 2022 and how to get the Government's Basic Food Basket Aid, be sure to check out more content like this. Here at The Series You can find articles that will help you better understand other government benefits and how to apply for access!