While the overall inflation rate in the UK jumped to 3.6% in 2025, the cost of food and drinks has significantly increased by 4.5%. This is not the first time that food inflation has outstripped the general inflation rate. The most common reason for a steep rise in food inflation is a blend of policy changes and climate disruption. While food inflation has risen in four of the last six months, it is still far from the inflation recorded post-pandemic, which was 19%.
What food items have been affected by inflation the most?
The cost of almost all kinds of food has increased, but this rise is not even across all categories. Chocolate is one of them that has seen a significant rise in its prices. Every time inflation hit, the prices of chocolate went up. Last year itself, the prices rose by 16% due to inflation. Chocolate became expensive over time because of soaring prices of raw cocoa. The global cost of cocoa has tripled in just three year, and climate disruption is to blame for the rising cost. A long spell of dry weather in coca production countries destroyed harvests.
There are some products that experience high inflation, but they represent a low share of household spending. Chocolate is one of them. So, even if cumulative information since 2022 in chocolate prices has been recorded at up to 43%, it cannot affect household spending. It is not an essential and salubrious commodity that every household needs.
Inflation generally takes a toll on people who are on low wages. When the prices of the most common items go up, people end up with a ruined budget. One of such commodities includes meat. Meat prices have contributed more to food inflation than any other edible item. However, there are several factors responsible, such as lower production, the absence of direct payments, and reduced profitability.
Significant policy changes and climate disruption are also responsible for contributing to food inflation
Significant policy changes are also responsible for the constantly rising food inflation. Minimum wages and increased contributions to national insurance play a prominent role. The contribution has risen by 2% and the threshold income has sharply dropped by 45% annually. All these changes are badly affecting companies and low-income employees. In addition, climate change is also a responsible factor in causing food costs to go up. Climate is no longer favourable for some food items, causing lower production than the demand. In order to strike a balance between demand and supply, prices are increased.
How to deal with increasing food prices
This is not the first time you have experienced food inflation. While it is not as high as it was post-pandemic, people on low wages are struggling to pay for their food bills. Many of you are forced to take out short term loans with no credit check. Here are some of the most sensible ways to prevent your food budget from the damaging impact of food inflation.
- Eat at home
Dining out is expensive. You can decide to eat out once in a while, but when you know your budget is collapsing because of high food inflation, you should be careful with eating out every now and then. You should try to eat at home. Make sure that you create a weekly meal plan, so you do not have any confusion about what to cook.
Hotels, restaurants, and cafés have experienced inflation of over 2.6% in the past two years. Therefore, it is suggested that you should rely less on restaurant food. If you are relying on very bad credit loans from direct lenders with a no credit check, you should try to stick to cheaper meal options such as potatoes, soups, spaghetti, pasta, and macaroni.
- Plan your shopping
You should have a list of things you want to buy, so you do not end up stockpiling. Most of the items go off, and money goes down the drain. Try to be frugal. If you can make do with a few spices, it is a good way to save money.
Compare prices between different supermarkets. Chances are, you get the same item at a lower price at another supermarket. You should try to buy items in bulk only when they help you save money and are non-perishable. Look for wholesale markets. Some grocery stores sell their items at wholesale prices.
- Avoid readymade food
Readymade food is extremely convenient, no doubt. Because you are busy, you tend to buy instant food, but the fact is that they are no longer expensive, but it lacks nutrients. You should instead prefer home-cooked meals. They are not only nutritious but also budget-friendly.
- Shop without kids
When you go to the supermarket with kids, they start an unnecessary demand for chocolates, toys, and other things. Most of the time, they are not easy to deal with. Parents often succumb to their demanding nature, but this unnecessarily increases the burden on their budgets.
You should try not to take kids with you when you are shopping. If you are taking them shopping, make sure that you strictly refuse their unnecessary demands. When you are struggling with your budget, they should learn to cooperate with you rather than showing obdurate behaviour.
- Use coupons and discounts
You should use coupons and discounts. They will help you save a lot of money. Sometimes, you might get exclusive offers that supermarkets run. Pay attention to combo deals. While such offers are profitable for stores, they also help consumers save money. However, you still need to be careful with your choice. Calculate the price per unit and compare it with an individual item. Sometimes, stores increase the price in combo deals.
The final word
UK food prices are rising, but the good thing is that inflation is not as high as it was during the pandemic. In order to survive the high prices of food, you should be mindful of your shopping. Plan your purchases so you do not have to rely on loans.
