Beef and veal Prices in Europe: How Much More Are Consumers Paying Since 2021?
Cost of Living · Based on the data from the Consumer Conditions Scoreboard 2025
Between 2021 and 2024 the price of everyday food climbed sharply across Europe, but not every product rose by the same amount. This InfoCons Consumer Protection guide focuses on one of them – beef and veal – and shows exactly how much more consumers are paying, and how it compares with the rest of the shopping basket.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – How Much Beef and veal Prices Rose (+27%)
Across the EU, beef and veal prices were about 27% higher in December 2024 than in January 2021. It rose less than the average food product, though still significantly. For households that buy beef and veal regularly, this increase is felt directly at the checkout.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – How beef and veal compares with the food average. Based on the data from the Consumer Conditions Scoreboard 2025.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – Beef and veal vs the Average Shopping Basket
The average increase for all food and non-alcoholic drinks over this period was about 31.9%. At +27%, beef and veal rose a little less than the typical food product, but still noticeably.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – Why Beef and veal Prices Went Up
Beef and veal are among the most resource-intensive foods to produce. Higher costs for animal feed, energy and the long time needed to raise cattle all contributed to the price rise.
Prices for this product also rose by very different amounts from one EU country to another, reflecting differences in local supply, taxes, competition and how much each step of production depends on energy.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – What This Means for You as a Consumer
You can soften the impact with a few simple habits. InfoCons Consumer Protection encourages consumers to compare the unit price (price per kilo or per litre) rather than the price on the front of the pack, try own-brand versions, watch for “shrinkflation” where the pack gets smaller for the same price, and buy in the right quantity to avoid waste. Cheaper cuts and larger packs offer better value; slow-cooking makes the most of them.
Signature: InfoCons Consumer Protection Department