March 2026 Grocery Price Shifts: Milk Costs Rise While Chicken and Kebabs Fall

Consumer Basket Price Update for March 2026

According to ХВИЛЯ: Supermarkets adjusted prices for staple food items in March 2026. Analysis reveals a mixed picture: milk prices increased, while butter prices either fell or remained stable. Chicken prices showed varied movement, with some cuts rising and others declining. Pork prices were relatively stable overall, with minor increases on premium cuts and a decrease observed for ready-made shashlik (kebab). These fluctuations are typical for a market adjusting to seasonal and supply factors.

Price Changes for Key Products

The cost of milk rose. Specifically, 'Prostonashe 1%' milk (900 ml) increased from UAH 56.66 to UAH 59.10, and 'Yahotynske 2.6%' milk (900 ml) went up from UAH 54.40 to UAH 56.83. The lowest price for 'Yahotynske' milk was recorded at Metro - UAH 42.54, while the highest was seen at Megamarket - UAH 67.90. Meanwhile, 'Selyanske 72.5%' butter (200 g) became cheaper, dropping from UAH 110.55 to UAH 107.36, with the lowest price for this butter found at Auchan - UAH 88.90. At the same time, 'Yahotynske 73%' butter saw a slight increase from UAH 116.26 to UAH 116.40.

Chicken prices are on a seesaw. The price for chicken thigh rose from UAH 138.81 to UAH 150.67 per kg, and 'Nasha Riaba' brand thigh increased from UAH 173.01 to UAH 187.95 per kg. The price for chicken fillet went up from UAH 227.00 to UAH 233.00 per kg. However, chicken drumstick fell in price from UAH 101.57 to UAH 92.00 per kg. 'Nasha Riaba' fillet became cheaper, dropping from UAH 284.62 to UAH 265.68 per kg, and the price for 'Epikur' whole chicken carcass decreased from UAH 125.49 to UAH 99.00 per kg at Metro.

Pork is also experiencing price adjustments. The price for pork neck rose from UAH 315.06 to UAH 322.32 per kg, and pork shoulder increased from UAH 225.61 to UAH 229.82 per kg. The price for pork belly remained stable at UAH 224.00 per kg, as did pork ribs, which held at UAH 232.00 per kg. The price for pork brisket decreased by UAH 0.50. The average price for ready-made pork shashlik (kebab) fell from UAH 298.40 to UAH 293.88 per kg, with the lowest price recorded at Novus - UAH 269.00 per kg.

In summary, consumers can observe price changes for essential food items like milk, butter, chicken, and pork, indicating the ongoing dynamics of the consumer goods market in Ukraine.

Changes in food prices can impact household finances, particularly in conditions of economic instability.

It is important for consumers to pay attention to these price fluctuations and adapt their spending according to the new prices. Monitoring the market can also help identify trends and potential economic shifts in the future.

As consumers navigate these price changes, it's important to consider the broader trends affecting dairy products. Recent analyses suggest that dairy prices in Ukraine may continue to rise through the end of March, influenced by factors such as supply chain fluctuations and seasonal demand. Staying informed about these developments can help shoppers make better purchasing decisions in an ever-changing market.