Christmas Potato Salad and Sausages Bite Holiday Budgets Harder This Year
Christmas in Germany is incomplete without a traditional plate of potato salad with sausages. Sadly, this classic dish is now more pricey than last year due to inflation. According to a report by the German Economic Institute (IW), a family of four will have to pay an average of €6.97 for this festive meal, marking a 4.7% increase from 2022.
Inflation has hit food prices significantly, even for traditional holiday dishes. The German Economic Institute, often in alliance with employers, conducted research based on price data from the Rewe supermarket chain. The report reveals that across various regions, the cost of potato salad with sausages varies significantly. For instance, in two districts of Rhineland-Palatinate, families will need to shell out €7.80 and €7.75 respectively, while in the eastern German region of Thuringia, it will cost just €6.62.
Regional Preparation and Variants
Due to lower wages and costs, potato salad with sausages is slightly cheaper in eastern Germany this year. The preparation of this classic dish varies significantly in different regions, with southern Germany favoring the vinegar and oil variant, which has experienced a 10% inflation-driven price increase, but remains more affordable. On average, this version costs €6.19 for four people.
Inflation has driven up the cost of many common food items, including ingredients for typical holiday dishes. According to a study by the NRW consumer advice center, the prices of these ingredients were 27% higher in October 2023 compared to two years ago.
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In summary, the traditional Christmas dish of potato salad with sausages will now cost families €6.97 on average, a 4.7% increase from the previous year. In some regions, the price can be significantly higher, reaching €7.80. The German Economic Institute's report reveals these variations, with eastern Germany enjoying slightly lower costs due to lower wages and costs. The price increase in food requirements for this and other holiday dishes is not limited to potato salad with sausages, as ingredients have seen an average 27% price hike compared to two years ago.
