Food & Grocery Prices in Zambia
Compare everyday food and grocery prices in Zambia. Mealie meal (nshima) is the staple food, and prices vary by type (breakfast vs roller meal) and location.
Mealie Meal (Breakfast) 25kg
Refined · 25kg bag · Staple food
ZMK 180 – 220
Mealie Meal (Roller) 25kg
Roller meal · 25kg bag · Budget option
ZMK 130 – 170
Cooking Oil 2L
2 litres · Soya/sunflower · Everyday cooking
ZMK 55 – 80
Sugar 2kg
2kg bag · White refined sugar
ZMK 40 – 55
Rice 5kg (Local)
5kg bag · Locally grown long grain
ZMK 70 – 100
Chicken (Whole) 1.5kg
~1.5kg · Fresh whole chicken
ZMK 65 – 90
Beef (Stewing) 1kg
1kg · Fresh beef chunks
ZMK 80 – 120
Bread (White Loaf)
Standard white loaf · Sliced
ZMK 25 – 35
Milk (Fresh) 1L
1 litre · Fresh pasteurized
ZMK 22 – 30
Eggs (Tray of 30)
30 eggs · Free-range/caged
ZMK 75 – 100
Tomatoes 1kg
1kg · Fresh local tomatoes
ZMK 15 – 25
Onions 1kg
1kg · White/red onions
ZMK 15 – 25
Monthly Food Budget in Zambia
A single person can budget approximately ZMK 1,500 – 2,500/month for basic food in Lusaka. A family of four should expect ZMK 3,500 – 6,000/month. Shopping at Soweto Market or City Market is significantly cheaper than supermarkets like Shoprite or Pick n Pay.