In response to the exorbitant cost of bread in Cuba's informal market, Anayad Sánchez shared a homemade bread recipe on Facebook that has garnered over 353,000 views and more than 11,400 likes. This viral sensation highlights the desperation of countless families seeking alternatives during the ongoing food crisis.
"Step-by-step homemade bread, an easy recipe, and believe it or not, it's much cheaper than buying on the street at such high prices. Plus, you provide your family with bread made with love and quality," Sánchez wrote in the video description.
The recipe yields approximately 10 rolls and requires four cups of flour, one and a half cups of warm water, two tablespoons of sugar, a teaspoon of salt, two tablespoons of oil, and a tablespoon of yeast.
The process involves three resting periods: 15 minutes to activate the yeast until it becomes frothy, one to two hours for the dough to double in size, and a final 30 minutes before baking.
Challenges of Cooking in Cuba
Throughout the video, Sánchez candidly shares the everyday challenges of cooking in Cuba. Displaying the oil she uses, she humorously remarks, "Don't ask me where I got this from because they're selling it with that color. Dear God, what kind of oil is this? But hey, it's what we have."
The economic logic of homemade bread is evident in today's context: In Havana, a bag of eight rolls was selling for 500 Cuban pesos in the informal market in April 2026, while in Cienfuegos, a 200-gram piece reached 150 pesos.
In Isla de la Juventud, non-rationed bread was priced at 110 pesos per unit.
Rising Costs and Economic Impact
Producing 10 rolls with a single recipe results in a lower cost per unit compared to buying on the street, although the ingredients themselves have also seen price hikes: oil is around 1,800 pesos per liter, and sugar is 400 pesos per pound in the informal market.
Of course, these prices fluctuate daily and vary from one province to another.
This content is part of a broader trend.
Food prices in Cuba have surged again in 2026, partly driven by the informal dollar, which hit an all-time high of 600 pesos per unit this month, making all imported goods, including wheat flour, more expensive.
The chronic shortage of flour has led to bakery shutdowns across the country. In Holguín, some bakeries reverted to wood-fired ovens in February 2026 to sustain production amid power outages and fuel shortages.
A recent survey revealed that 80.39% of respondents reported their ability to cook was affected by power cuts, making the home oven an additional luxury for many families.
FAQs on Homemade Bread in Cuba
Why are Cubans making homemade bread?
Cubans are turning to homemade bread due to the high prices of bread in the informal market and the ongoing food crisis. Making bread at home is cheaper and ensures quality for their families.
What are the challenges of cooking in Cuba?
Cooking in Cuba involves challenges such as fluctuating prices of ingredients, scarcity of products, and power outages, which complicate the use of appliances like ovens.
How have food prices changed in Cuba recently?
Food prices in Cuba have increased significantly in 2026, driven by the rising informal dollar, which affects the cost of imported goods and essential items like wheat flour.