A video posted on Instagram by content creator Ydalgo Martínez (@ydalgotips) reveals the staggering rise in basic food prices in Cuba as 2026 begins, emphasizing that the economic crisis extends far beyond the "holiday season."
“Today, I’ll show you the current prices in Cuba in 2026,” Martínez narrates while walking through a market, showcasing items essential to the daily diet of any Cuban household.
The numbers speak volumes without the need for exaggeration: potatoes at 450 pesos per pound, onions at 380, beans at 500, tomatoes ranging from 200 to 300, and lemons hitting 700. Even fruits, once considered commonplace, are now nearly unaffordable, with oranges reaching 1,000 pesos per pound.
The most shocking revelation comes at the video’s conclusion: meat prices. “Meat was priced at a thousand pesos per pound, folks,” Martínez states bluntly, encapsulating the daily struggles of millions.
A seemingly ordinary grocery haul cost him 10,300 pesos in national currency, underscoring the harsh economic reality.
The video sparked immediate reactions. One particularly poignant comment came from a 75-year-old woman, who shared that she hasn't been able to eat vegetables, fruits, or salads for a long time due to the high prices. “I’m diabetic and have high blood pressure. You can’t imagine how those of us who can’t even afford a tomato manage,” she lamented, her words accompanied by crying emojis.
While some viewers expressed gratitude for the video, others noted the inaccessibility of these markets. “I can’t shop there, I’m a nurse. Everything is outrageously expensive,” one viewer commented. From outside Cuba, some acknowledged the products looked "nice and fresh," yet recognized that the prices are disproportionate compared to the island’s wages.
Some viewers called for more context, requesting dollar conversions to better grasp the real impact of these prices and compare them to the minimum wage or pensions. “Those not living in Cuba can’t fully understand the real value of these prices,” one comment pointed out.
Ydalgo Martínez himself chimed in, highlighting that his content aims to shed light on this ever-changing reality. Prices, he noted, rise almost daily, and not everyone can afford what is shown in the video.
This video connects with other recent accounts. Just weeks earlier, another Cuban went viral on TikTok after revealing that with 4,500 pesos, a doctor's monthly salary, she could only purchase a few basic items like mayonnaise, rice, hamburgers, and toothpaste.
In December, prices for rice, chicken, and pork surged ahead of Christmas, making a traditional holiday meal nearly impossible for many families.
Come January, it's not the prices that change, but rather the sense of resignation. It’s no longer about specific celebrations; it’s about an economy where the average salary hovers around 4,000 to 5,000 pesos, while a single market trip can double that amount.
In this context, the final question posed by Ydalgo Martínez in his video resonates as a shared cry: “Is it cheap or expensive?”
For many Cubans, both on the island and abroad, the answer is painfully clear. Even the most basic of foods in Cuba remains a near-impossible challenge amidst ever-rising prices and a purchasing power that dwindles each day.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Crisis Through Food Prices
How have food prices changed in Cuba at the start of 2026?
At the beginning of 2026, food prices in Cuba have surged dramatically. Potatoes are priced at 450 pesos per pound, onions at 380, beans at 500, tomatoes range from 200 to 300, lemons at 700, and oranges at 1,000 pesos per pound. Meat reaches a staggering 1,000 pesos per pound.
What impact do high food prices have on Cuban families?
The soaring food prices in Cuba have made it extremely difficult for families to afford basic necessities. Many, including the elderly and those with health conditions, struggle to purchase essential items, leading to dietary and nutritional challenges.
How do Cuban salaries compare to the cost of living?
In Cuba, the average salary ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 pesos, yet a single trip to the market can easily double this amount. This discrepancy highlights the severe economic strain on individuals trying to meet basic living costs.