For many people, baking gingerbread and other cookies is one of the biggest attractions before Christmas. Prices food in Germany has increased dramatically this year. Does this mean that homemade cookies are becoming more expensive? The answer is: it depends on what's inside. So let's take a look at the main ingredients of classic cookies.
The price of butter increased the most
According to the Federal Statistical Office, butter was 40 percent more expensive in October than a year earlier. Whereas price wheat flour was cheaper by a good 10 percent, and sugar by even 20 percent. Eggs cost the same as in October last year, while the price of milk increased by 3%. Chocolate, which is also used in some recipes, cost 8 percent more.
“If we use butter to bake cookies, then they will be slightly more expensive this year,” says Thomas Els, head of the research department of AMI – the Agricultural Market Consumer Research Association. Even cheaper flour and sugar will not compensate for the sharp increase in butter prices.
Expert: don't give up on good quality
However, there are ways to lower it costs. You can also use margarine instead of butter for baking. On the AMI website you can read advice which states that most recipes use margarine will check works “just as well” and is much more wallet-friendly. Margarine was almost 3 percent cheaper in October than a year earlier.
However, Jürgen Hinkelmann, vice-president of the Central Association of German Bakers, does not believe in margarine as a substitute for butter. “It is poor in taste and represents a great loss of enjoyment.” It is therefore better to bake less and use high-quality products instead.
Less cookies – better figure
“It's also good for your figure,” he argues owner Grobe bakery in Dortmund.
The reason for the increase in butter prices is the lower volumes of milk available and the lower fat content of raw milk. Due to demand for other dairy products, including cheese, the dairy industry has less fat available to produce butter. (dpa/sug)
The article comes from the website Deutsche Welle