Chilean empanada ingredient costs rise 5.8% amid inflation

The cost of preparing traditional homemade empanadas de pino in Chile has increased by 5.8% compared to the previous year, according to a report by the Universidad San Sebastián Public Policy Center. Based on data from the Office of Agricultural Studies and Policies (ODEPA), the average cost of ingredients nationwide rose from $944 to $999 per unit over the last 12 months.

This price hike is primarily driven by significant increases in key ingredients, specifically onions, which rose by 21.9%, and beef (posta rosada), which increased by 12.6%. Conversely, some ingredients saw price decreases, including black olives (-30.8%), flour (-3.7%), and sunflower oil (-2.9%).

The Los Lagos region has been identified as the most expensive area for preparing the dish. Researchers noted that these rising costs for basic staples place additional financial stress on household budgets during festive periods, particularly affecting more vulnerable populations.