What products are pushing up your weekly food bill?

Inflation stayed at 3.4% in May, but food prices are still climbing, up 4.4% compared to this time last year.  

That’s a real hit for families already watching every penny. 

Some supermarket products are going up in price much faster than others.  

Data from the consumer group Which?, which tracked 27,000 items across 20 food and drink categories at eight major supermarkets, reveals what’s rising the most. 

Food price rises over the past year  

From May 2024 to May 2025, here’s how much the prices of different products have gone up:  

• chocolate: up 17.5% 

• biscuits: up 10.1% 

• butters and spreads: up 9.4% 

• cakes and cookies: up 8.8% 

• energy drinks: up 5.8% 

• juice drinks and smoothies: up 5.5% 

• water: up 4.5% 

• meat: up 4.5% 

• cheese: up 4.3% 

• fish: up 4.2% 

• chilled ready meals: up 3.8% 

• milk: up 3.7% 

• fresh fruit: up 2.9% 

• crisps: up 2.9% 

• cereals: up 2.4% 

Why are prices going up? 

Global cocoa prices have soared due to poor harvests in West Africa. Since 2022, cocoa is up 43%, according to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU). 

Butters and spreads are up 9.4% and cheese is up 4.3%.  

The British Retail Consortium and retailers cite rising labour costs, including increased national insurance and the minimum wage, for contributing to higher prices. 

Reena Sewraz, retail editor at Which?, calls the situation ‘worrying’.  

“…. we know this [rising prices] will have a big impact on hard-pressed households who already spend a larger chunk of their budget on groceries,” she said.  

Tips to save money in the supermarkets  

Despite rising prices, there are things you can do to bring the cost of your weekly food shop down.  

Plan your meals 

Planning helps you avoid picking up extras you don’t need. Write a list before you go shopping and stick to it. 

Stock up on non-perishables 

When items like pasta, rice, or canned goods are on offer, buy in bulk. They keep well and save you money long term. 

Look for yellow sticker discounts 

These are items close to their ‘best before’ date, often discounted by 50% or more. Some can be frozen for later use, just make sure you’ll actually eat them. 

Best times to find yellow sticker deals 

• Aldi – 8am 

• Asda – after 7pm 

• Lidl – 8am 

• M&S – 30 minutes before closing 

• Morrisons – after 6pm 

• Tesco – after 6pm 

• Sainsbury’s – after 6pm 

Avoid shopping hungry 

You’re more likely to make expensive impulse purchases if you shop when you’re hungry. 

So make sure you’re fed before you go to the supermarket. 

Use loyalty cards 

Loyalty card prices can save you 17 - 25% on your shopping. For example, a product that costs £2 might only be £1 for cardholders. Still, compare prices, as loyalty deals aren’t always the cheapest available. 

Use comparison sites like Trolley 

Sites like Trolley help you compare prices between supermarkets so you can find the best deal before you shop. 

Choose wonky fruit and veg 

Imperfect fruit and veg is cheaper, tastes the same and helps reduce food waste.  

Buy own-brand products 

Many supermarket own brands offer similar quality at much lower prices compared to big-name brands.