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Key Points

The cost of home-cooked meals in India became more affordable in August. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis saw significant price drops compared to last year. This decline was primarily driven by falling prices of onions, potatoes, and pulses. The trend aligns with India's overall easing food inflation, which hit its lowest level since 2019.

Key Points: India Home-Cooked Thali Costs Drop 7-8% as Food Inflation Eases

  • Onion prices plunged 37% year-on-year due to higher production
  • Potato costs dropped 31% as production recovered from last year's blight
  • Pulses declined 14% driven by improved stock levels and harvests
  • Broiler prices fell 10% helping reduce non-vegetarian thali costs
2 min read

Per plate food cost in India moderated in August as inflation moderates

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali prices fell in August due to lower onion, potato, and pulse costs, though vegetable oil prices surged during festival season.

"Lower vegetable and pulses prices also supported - Crisil Intelligence"

New Delhi, September 8

Costs of home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis declined 7% and 8% year-on-year in August, respectively, in line with moderate commodity prices, according to Crisil Intelligence's latest Roti Rice Rate (RRR) report.

The decline in the cost of vegetarian thali was led by a sharp drop in the prices of onions, potatoes, and pulses.

Prices of potato and onion, according to the report, declined 31% and 37% year-on-year, respectively, on a high base.

"In the year-ago period, potato production had shrunk 5-7% due to blight infestation and weather changes, pushing up the prices. This year the production is estimated to be 3-5% higher. For onion, an 18-20% rise in annual production has led to a fall in prices this year," it has been asserted.

Prices of pulses declined 14% year-on-year, driven by higher production and stock levels compared with the year-ago period.

Vegetable oil prices surged 24% year-on-year due to higher demand at the start of the festival season. Additionally, a 6% year-on-year increase in prices of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders limited the decline in the overall cost of thalis, Crisil argued.

The decline in the cost of non-vegetarian thali was driven by a 10% year-on-year drop in broiler prices, which make up about 50% of the cost.

"Lower vegetable and pulses prices also supported," it added.

However, on a month-on-month basis, the cost of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis both rose, 4% and 2%, respectively, in August.

"The rise in the cost of non-vegetarian thali was capped as oversupply of broilers kept their prices stable on-month despite a rise in demand with the conclusion of the Shravan month," it added.

The overall year-on-year moderation in food costs is in sync with the decline in the headline inflation numbers.

India's retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased sharply to 1.55 per cent in July 2025 on a year-on-year basis, marking the lowest level since June 2017.

Food inflation, based on the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), dropped further into negative territory at -1.76 per cent in July, compared to -1.01 per cent in June. This marked the lowest level of food inflation since January 2019. The fall was attributed to a broad-based decline in prices of pulses and products, vegetables, cereals, eggs, sugar and confectionery, as well as transport and communication services.

Retail inflation data for August is due later this week, on Friday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see government policies supporting farmers leading to better production. The 18-20% increase in onion production shows what proper planning can achieve. More such initiatives needed for other crops too!
M
Michael C
While the yearly decline is positive, the monthly increase of 4% for vegetarian thalis is concerning. Vegetable oil prices up 24% is quite significant. Hope the upcoming festival season doesn't push prices up further.
A
Ananya R
As a homemaker, I can feel the difference in market prices. Potatoes and onions are actually affordable now! But LPG cylinder prices still hurting the kitchen budget. Government should look into this aspect too.
V
Vikram M
The non-veg thali becoming cheaper is great news! Chicken prices dropping 10% makes a real difference for protein consumption in Indian diets. Hope this makes nutritious food more accessible to all sections 🍗
S
Sarah B
While the data shows improvement, I wonder if these price reductions are reaching all parts of the country equally. In many rural areas, we still see high food prices. Need better distribution systems.
K
Karthik V
Negative food inflation at -1.76% is impressive! This is what happens when agricultural production is managed well. Hope our farmers are getting fair prices despite the overall decline in market rates.

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