Cuban Influencer’s Monthly Grocery Bill Sparks Debate Over Island’s Rising Costs
HAVANA, Cuba – A Cuban social media influencer’s recent post detailing her monthly food expenditure has ignited a conversation about the escalating cost of living in Cuba. Jeniffer, known online as @jeniffer_bichota_de_cuba_, shared a video showcasing a grocery haul totaling over 90,000 Cuban pesos (CUP) – equivalent to more than 250 US dollars on the informal market.
“Join me in spending 90,000 Cuban pesos on my food purchase for the entire month. Leave me in the comments if you see the purchase as good or as bad,” Jeniffer stated in the accompanying video.
The extensive shopping list included:
* 10 pounds of sugar at 280 CUP per pound.
* 20 pounds of rice at 280 CUP per pound.
* 10 pounds of beans (5 red and 5 black) at 340 CUP per pound.
* 20 pounds of minced meat at 280 CUP per pound.
* 10 pounds of beef at 1,100 CUP per pound (noting some vendors sell it for 1,300 CUP).
* 3 packages of chicken at 3,800 CUP each.
* 10 packages of sausages (“dogs”) at 480 CUP each.
* 2 knobs of oil at 960 CUP each.
* 12 pounds of pork at 1,100 CUP per pound.
* 1 can of tomato puree at 370 CUP.
* 30 juices for children at 180 CUP each.
* 1 carton of eggs at 2,600 CUP.
* 4 jellies at 250 CUP each.
* 4 bags of chips at 280 CUP each.
* 2 packages of detergent at 450 CUP each.
* 7 pots of ice cream at 750 CUP each.
* 4 packages of hamburgers (price not specified).
Jeniffer clarified that this level of spending is not typical for most Cubans, attributing her ability to afford the purchase to financial support from her children’s father, who resides in the United States.
The post has generated critically important online discussion, with manny commenters highlighting the stark contrast between the influencer’s spending and the economic realities faced by average Cubans. With average monthly salaries around 5,000 CUP, the majority of the population would struggle to cover even a fraction of this grocery bill without relying on remittances. The situation underscores the ongoing economic challenges and high prices impacting daily life in Cuba.
