Picanha, prices and politics: What Brazil's favorite steak says about the election

Oct 1, 2026 · Catherine Osborn

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

Picanha, prices and politics: What Brazil's favorite steak says about the election

A street vendor sells campaign flags of presidential candidates Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro and current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who is running for reelection in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.

Lula promised Brazilians four years ago they'd be able to afford picanha again. Now, as he seeks another term, the price of the country's favorite cut of beef is telling a different story.

(Image credit: Eraldo Peres)