“Pancake Index”: How Prices for Key Products Have Changed for Maslenitsa 2025
Maslenitsa is one of the most beloved and eagerly anticipated holidays in Russia. A week filled with treats, fun, and traditional golden pancakes has already begun. However, in 2025, preparing pancakes for Maslenitsa will cost Russians more than it did last year. Experts have calculated the so-called “Pancake Index,” which reflects how much the key ingredients for making this traditional dish have increased in price.
What is the Cost of Pancakes in 2025?
According to the latest data, making 10 homemade pancakes this year will cost 78.72 rubles. This is a 20% increase from last year. The primary culprit behind the price hike is butter, the cost of which has surged by 36%, now standing at 1222.71 rubles per kilogram.
Some products have decreased in price, however. For instance, eggs—a staple ingredient in the recipe—have dropped in price from 129.45 rubles to 116.88 rubles per dozen over the past year. However, this decrease has not compensated for the overall rise in ingredient costs.
How Have Prices for Key Ingredients Changed?
- Butter: +36% (up to 1222.71 rub./kg)
- Eggs: -9.7% (down to 116.88 rub./dozen)
- Flour: slight increase
- Milk: minor price change
- Sugar: remains stable
Therefore, despite the decrease in egg prices, the overall increase in ingredient costs has made pancakes in 2025 noticeably more expensive.
The “Pancake Index” as an Indicator of Inflation
Experts emphasize that the “Pancake Index” can be considered an accurate reflection of inflation dynamics, as it is based on essential products found in every Russian household. Unlike official economic indicators that encompass a broad spectrum of goods and services, the “Pancake Index” reveals real price changes for key products accessible to everyone.
This method of analysis is reminiscent of the well-known “Big Mac Index,” which is utilized to assess purchasing power parity across different countries. However, unlike fast food, pancakes are a traditional homemade dish; thus, their cost is particularly significant for understanding real inflation.
Why Are Prices Rising?
The price increase for products in 2025 is linked to several key factors:
- Rising dairy prices – The increase in butter prices is directly related to rising costs of milk and livestock feed.
- Fluctuations in the ruble exchange rate – Imported ingredients, such as feed and fertilizers, have become more expensive.
- Logistics costs – Rising transportation expenses also impact the final price of products.
- Seasonal demand – In the lead-up to Maslenitsa, prices of key ingredients traditionally rise.
However, the drop in egg prices has partially mitigated the overall increase, attributed to overproduction and market stabilization.
How to Save During Maslenitsa?
Despite rising prices, the holiday can be celebrated without overspending:
- Make pancakes at home – Purchasing ready-made pancakes from cafes and stores will cost more.
- Choose alternative oils – Instead of butter, consider using vegetable oil, which is less prone to sharp price increases.
- Buy ingredients in advance – Prices for many items typically rise before holidays, so planning purchases will help save money.
- Optimize recipes – For instance, you can use less oil or prepare pancakes using a mixture of milk and water.
The Pancake Index of 2025 clearly demonstrates how prices for basic products are changing. Despite the increase in ingredient costs, the tradition of celebrating Maslenitsa remains steadfast. Pancakes are not only a symbol of the sun but also an opportunity to spend time with family, enjoy delicious food, and preserve Russian traditions.
May this Maslenitsa bring you warmth, joy, and aromatic homemade pancakes, despite inflationary fluctuations!
