Basic Israeli Food Basket Cost Rises to 3,928 NIS Monthly in 2026
A new Latet study reveals the basic Israeli food basket rose 4.8% in 2026 to 3,928 NIS monthly. Supported families face a 1,166 NIS monthly gap, forcing daily compromises on nutrition amid soaring living costs.
The cost of a basic food basket for an Israeli household stands at 3,928 NIS per month in 2026, marking a 4.8% increase compared to 3,747 NIS last year, according to a study by the Latet organization conducted by the SFI group. This translates to an additional 2,172 NIS per year per household.
Growing Food Insecurity and the Poverty Gap
Among families relying on assistance, actual spending on food is significantly lower than the cost of the basic basket. According to the study, these families spend an average of 2,762 NIS per month on food, compared to 2,536 NIS in 2025—an 8.9% increase. The data indicates a gap of 1,166 NIS per month between the cost of the basic food basket and the amount supported families actually spend, amounting to an annual gap of about 14,000 NIS.
Latet argues that this gap forces families to compromise on the quantity and quality of food necessary for a balanced existence. Against the backdrop of these figures, the organization reports a 32% surge in the demand for food assistance ahead of the holidays.
"The situation on the ground is worsening due to the effects of the Long War, the cost of living, and a lack of systemic governmental handling of poverty and food insecurity," said Eran Weintrob, CEO of Latet.
Call for National Policy Ahead of Elections
Weintrob added that the reality sees Israelis divided between standing in line for a flight at Ben Gurion Airport and standing in line for a food package. He called on political parties ahead of the upcoming elections to include concrete steps in their platforms and coalition agreements to reduce poverty and social disparities.
"This is not a gap in consumption habits, but rather in economic capability," stated Yaron Neuderfer, CEO of the SFI group. "The estimate of the minimum food basket translates food insecurity from a feeling into numbers: a monthly gap of 1,166 NIS between the minimum cost of healthy nutrition and the actual expenditure of supported families."
