Tue, 22 Jul 2025

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 Food bills on course to rise by £275 a year as prices jump

Households are trading down or making simpler meals to save money on groceries, research shows.
Household spending on food and drink is expected to rise by £275 this year due to increasing prices, with many people opting for cheaper groceries or simpler meals at home. According to market researcher Worldpanel, food prices have risen 5.2% over the past month compared to last year, with a further increase of £275 per household predicted unless shopping habits change. The sharpest price rises were seen in chocolate, butter and spreads, fresh meat, dog food, confectionery, and laundry, while prices for own-brand goods from supermarkets remained relatively stable. Around 20% of households are struggling to manage their grocery bills, with some unable to cut costs further. As a result, many people are making simpler meals by including fewer than six ingredients on their dinner plates. The growing cost of food has contributed to the overall rate of inflation in the UK, which hit 3.6% in the year to June, its highest level since January 2024. Some households are being forced to cut back even further due to the rising costs of living, with many parents opting out of children's sports and some families missing out on school meals due to a lack of funds.
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