A woman in Sfax, Tunisia, enjoys a plate of snails as she ends her Ramadan fast on March 29, 2025. AP
In central Tunisia, young men with no jobs now spend their days picking snails from leaves and rocks in fields. They gather the small creatures in big plastic bags and sell them at local markets. With meat prices rising, more families are choosing snails to feed their loved ones.
Karim, a 29-year-old from Akouda, sells snails in the market. “They’re profitable, beneficial and quite in demand,” he said with a smile. His work, once seen as odd, is now becoming a common way to earn money.
People in Tunisia have eaten snails for over 7,000 years. Though many around the world now consider them a fancy dish, Tunisians see them as a smart, affordable replacement for red meat. They are full of protein and taste great when cooked with salt, spices, and local flavors.
Youth unemployment in Tunisia is very high, now over 40%. Prices of basic goods keep rising, and many families can’t afford meat. Snails are giving people a cheaper option that still fills the stomach and provides nutrition.
Snails are low in fat and full of iron, calcium, and magnesium. They’re also about half the price of beef. Some even say they’re better for cooking. Mohammed, a shopper in the Akouda market, said, “Snails are better for cooking than lamb. If lamb meat costs 60 dinars, a bowl of snails is five dinars.”
As meat and chicken prices climb higher, people are looking for cheaper food. Snails have become a top choice. They not only save money but also help the environment. Raising livestock causes deforestation and more pollution. Snails, on the other hand, leave a much smaller carbon footprint.
Restaurants in Tunis have also added snails to their menus. Wahiba Dridi runs one such place. She prepares snails using local recipes with peppers and bold spices. Her snail dishes were a hit during Ramadan this year. Though people usually eat red meat when they break their fast, many turned to snails. One kilogram of snails costs less than 28 dinars, while beef costs 55 dinars.
Dridi believes people are still learning about snails. “If people knew the value of snails, they would eat them all year long,” she said.
In Tunisia today, snails are more than just a meal. They are a way for young men to work, for families to eat better, and for people to save money. With jobs hard to find and prices going up, these tiny creatures are making a big impact.
