Fasting in Lebanon: A Socio-Economic Analysis

The objectives of this article are to shed light about the differences in eating habits and food consumption practices during the fasting season of Easter and Ramadan. The study was conducted in Lebanon. Three supermarkets took part in the study. The study revealed that during Ramadan and Lent, fruits and vegetables prices substantially increase (up to 50 percent). Christian consumers wait for Ramadan to save on discounted desserts. During Lent, Muslim consumers save on the purchase of discounted fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Overall, Lebanese consumers enjoy Lent and Ramadan and benefit from food price discounts and promotions that are offered during the fasting period.