Life Talk

Why do seasonings keep leading Japan's food price hikes?

Something I noticed across the GONOM Japan posts: in April it was 1,514 condiments out of 2,798 hikes, and now June has seasonings leading again with 450 of 1,078 items. Processed foods are second at 304.

Jiji puts it down to packaging and energy costs. That makes sense for something sold in lots of small bottles, where the bottle is a big share of the cost. But I'd love to hear from anyone in Japan: are you noticing it on the shelf, or does a few yen on mayonnaise just disappear into the weekly shop?

Also, the Ippeichan yakisoba going from 254 to 272 yen. About 7%. That one feels like it would sting.