Why Are Home-Cooked Veg and Non-Veg Thalis Cheaper in May?
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Synopsis
As food inflation cools, the cost of home-cooked thalis has dropped significantly, offering relief to households. Key vegetable prices have declined, leading to cheaper vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Learn more about the implications of these changes on consumers.
Key Takeaways
- Home-cooked thalis are now more affordable due to falling vegetable prices.
- The cost of vegetarian thalis remained stable month-on-month.
- Non-vegetarian thali prices decreased by 2 percent in May.
- Tomato prices fell by 29 percent, significantly impacting thali costs.
- Future price trends may be influenced by seasonal changes.
New Delhi, June 5 (NationPress) The prices of home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis saw a decline of 6 percent each (year-on-year) in May, attributed to a significant drop in the prices of essential vegetables, as reported by Crisil on Thursday.
When compared to the previous month, the cost of a vegetarian thali remained unchanged, while the price of a non-vegetarian thali decreased by 2 percent last month.
Prices for tomatoes plummeted by 29 percent, dropping to Rs 23 per kg from Rs 33 per kg in May, following last year's yield concerns that had inflated prices. Furthermore, onion and potato prices fell by 15 percent and 16 percent, respectively, year-on-year, according to the 'Roti Rice Rate' (RRR) report.
Last year's potato prices surged due to crop damage from blight and unseasonal rainfall in West Bengal. Meanwhile, onion prices rose due to decreased rabi acreage and yield, as water availability was limited in key agricultural regions, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
The average expense of preparing a thali at home takes into account the input prices across north, south, east, and west India, reflecting the overall impact on consumers' spending.
The report also highlights the various ingredients, such as cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil, and cooking gas, responsible for the changes in thali costs.
"In May 2025, thali costs exhibited a slight divergence month-on-month, with vegetarian thali remaining stable and non-vegetarian thali decreasing by 2 percent. While tomato and potato prices increased, onion prices fell, stabilizing the cost of the vegetarian thali," stated Pushan Sharma, Director of Research at Crisil Intelligence.
Conversely, the reduction in non-vegetarian thali costs was influenced by a decline in broiler prices, which dropped approximately 4 percent month-on-month.
“Looking ahead, we expect a rise in vegetable prices due to seasonal fluctuations, alongside a potential easing in wheat and pulse prices resulting from robust domestic production,” Sharma added.
Point of View
The findings presented by Crisil underscore a critical moment for consumers, particularly in the context of rising food prices. The decrease in thali costs not only reflects the changing agricultural landscape but also highlights the resilience of the domestic market. As we navigate these economic shifts, it is essential to remain informed and prepared for potential fluctuations in food prices ahead.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the decline in thali prices?
The decline in thali prices is primarily attributed to a significant drop in key vegetable prices, along with a high-base effect from last year.
How much did the prices of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis decrease?
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis saw a decrease of 6 percent each on a year-on-year basis.
What impact do seasonal variations have on vegetable prices?
Seasonal variations can lead to fluctuations in vegetable prices, impacting overall food costs and household budgets.
Which vegetables contributed most to the price changes?
Tomatoes, onions, and potatoes were the key vegetables that contributed to the price changes in thalis.
What does the future hold for vegetable prices?
Experts anticipate an increase in vegetable prices due to seasonal changes and potential easing in wheat and pulse prices.
