Denis Ternovsky, Expert at the Economic Policy Foundation, commented for TASS on the dynamics of changes in the affordability of foods for Russians over the previous 40 years. He cited data proving a significant increase in purchasing power for basic products.
According to the expert, the most impressive results have been achieved in the meat market. "While in 1985, the average per capita monthly income could afford 75 kg of meat of all types, in 2025, consumers can purchase from 92 kg of lamb to almost 330 kg of poultry," noted Denis Ternovsky.
Sugar and chicken eggs were leaders in terms of affordability. Denis Ternovsky emphasized the dramatic shift of indicators: "In 1985, a consumer could buy 165 kg of sugar spending his income or 138 dozen eggs; by 2025, these figures reached 1.030 kg and 775 dozen, respectively." He also added that the availability of sunflower oil increased 5.5-fold (from 90 to 496 kg), and butter by 1.5-fold (from 42 to 62 kg).
Commenting on the fish figures, Denis Ternovsky noted that its availability has also slightly increased: for frozen fish, the indicator increased from 184 to 214 kg, and for herring, from 110 to 197 kg.
At the same time, the expert urged a balanced approach to these figures. He focused on the change in the structure of modern human's mandatory expenses compared to the Soviet period.
"In 1985, the cost of housing, healthcare, and education was significantly lower, as was the share of utility expenses in household incomes. As a result, a resident could spend a relatively larger share of their income on foods compared to 2025," Denis Ternovsky concluded.