77 Percent Price Surge in Coffee Signals Deepening Food Crisis for Brazilian Households

As inflation intensifies in Brazil, 58% of citizens have cut back on food purchases, according to a recent nationwide survey by Datafolha. The cost-of-living crisis is pushing families to make tough choices, with basic food staples and daily routines being significantly altered.

The study reveals that 8 in 10 Brazilians have changed their habits due to rising prices. 61% go out less, half have switched to cheaper coffee, and nearly half are cutting overall spending. Conducted across 172 cities with over 3,000 respondents, the survey paints a concerning picture of a population adjusting to persistent economic pressure.

1 in 4 people say they don’t have enough food at home, and though these figures remain stable compared to last year, the strain remains heavy. More than one-third have reduced their medicine purchases, 32% stopped paying debts, and over a quarter cannot afford essential household costs.

The latest figures from the IBGE show that annual inflation reached 5.48%, with March alone recording a 0.56% rise—largely driven by food and beverage prices. Tomatoes surged 22.55% in a single month, eggs rose 13.13%, and coffee skyrocketed 77.78% year-on-year.

Public frustration is growing, and 54% blame the Lula government directly for the price surge. Even among the president’s supporters, 72% hold the government at least partially responsible. Meanwhile, lower-income Brazilians are more likely to also blame rural producers, with 54% holding the agricultural sector accountable—a figure significantly higher than among wealthier groups.

Despite government efforts to control inflation—such as lifting import taxes on select items—the public has seen little impact so far. As essentials become more expensive, many households continue to struggle with daily survival, casting a long shadow over the administration’s approval ratings.