PESACH 2025: How US Jews are being ripped off 

Pesach-specific goods, like matzah, kosher wine or grape juice, eggs, and other certified kosher-for-Pesach (KFP) items, are influenced by a mix of supply chain issues, inflation, and seasonal demand.

That being said, it definitely looks like store owners are taking advantage of their Jewish customers and charging insane prices, like $10.00 for this salt water for the Seder. Seriously?!

Eggs: Skyrocketing Costs

Eggs are a Pesach staple, critical for Seders and holiday cooking. Prices have hit record highs in 2025 due to an ongoing avian flu outbreak that’s decimated flocks. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported a dozen Grade A eggs averaging $5.90 in U.S. cities in February 2025, up 10.4% from February 2024 and surpassing January’s record of $4.95. Since early 2025, over 35 million egg-laying birds have been culled, with 12 million lost in February alone. Wholesale prices dropped in March (e.g., $4.15 per dozen per USDA reports), but retail prices lag, and with Passover and Easter (April 20) driving demand, experts predict a spike. Forecasts suggest a 57.6% annual increase for 2025, though some relief might come by summer as flocks recover. Expect to pay $6-$8 per dozen or more at retail this Pesach, depending on your location.

Matzah: Rising Steadily

Matzah prices are climbing, reflecting broader food inflation and production costs. Matzah is at $8.00 and up in the U.S., a jump from last year (though exact 2024 prices vary by brand and region). Cereals and bakery products, per the USDA’s March 2025 Food Price Outlook, rose 0.5% in February and are up 0.3% year-over-year, with a predicted 0.8% increase for 2025.

A box of basic kosher matzah might range from $8-$12, with artisanal or imported brands (e.g., shmurah matzah) hitting $20-$30 or more.

Kosher Grape Juice and Wine: Premium Pricing

Grape juice, a Seder essential, is also pricier. X posts mention $9.00 for a modest bottle in March 2025, compared to $6.00 for non-kosher equivalents of the same size. This gap reflects KFP certification costs and smaller production scales. Kosher wines, like Herzog or Bartenura, typically start at $10-$15 per bottle but can climb higher for Passover-specific labels. The 2025 Trader Joe’s Passover Shopping Guide highlights these as KFP options, though prices depend on local stock. General beverage inflation is moderate, but KFP items carry a premium.

Other KFP Goods: Pantry Staples and Proteins

Broader Trends and Context

Food prices overall rose 0.2% from January to February 2025, with a 2.6% year-over-year increase, per the USDA. Pesach goods, however, face extra pressure: avian flu has slashed egg supply, certification adds costs, and holiday demand spikes prices. Wholesale egg price drops in March hint at potential relief, but retail adjustments take weeks, and Passover’s timing may keep prices high. Some X users express sticker shock, reflecting a sentiment of “everything’s more expensive this year.” Programs like Royal Passover or Kosherica, offering all-inclusive Pesach vacations, range from $2,400 to $12,360, showing how food costs trickle into broader holiday expenses.

What to Expect

You’re looking at a costly Pesach in 2025. Eggs might hit $7-$8 per dozen, matzah $8-$15 per box, grape juice $9-$12 per bottle, and meats $10-$15 per pound, with variations by region and store (e.g., Trader Joe’s vs. specialty kosher markets).