**UK Supermarket Shoppers Urged to ‘Shop Around’ Amid Growing Food Inflation**
Shoppers at major UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Asda, Aldi, and Sainsbury’s, have been cautioned to take extra care with their spending as food price inflation continues to accelerate, official figures reveal. The latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NIQ Shop Price Monitor indicates a sixth consecutive monthly rise in food prices, placing increasing strain on household budgets nationwide.
According to the newly released statistics, food items now cost 4% more than they did at this point last year, a notable increase from 3.7% in June 2025 and higher than the three-month average of 3.5%. Analysts attribute the sharpest hikes to staples such as meat and tea, which have suffered significant price surges as global supply chains tighten. This phenomenon has directly contributed to broader shop price inflation, which now sits at 0.7%—up from 0.4% the previous month.
Further details from the Shop Price Monitor highlight that while fresh food inflation remained steady at 3.2%, the cost of ambient grocery products—such as tinned foods, snacks, and tea—has surged by 5.1% compared to last June. This uptick, from 4.3% in June 2025, is causing concern among both consumers and independent analysts, who warn the trend may persist given ongoing supply chain disruptions and international market uncertainties.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, commented on the figures, underlining the impact felt by families: “Shoppers will have noticed their weekly food shop becoming increasingly expensive as inflation keeps climbing. Meat and tea, in particular, have been hit hard as worldwide supplies become more restricted.” Dickinson also pointed out some relief in other sectors, noting, “There are some positive signs for consumers, with discounts available in areas like fashion and homewares, allowing people to make savings when updating their clothing or furnishing their spaces.”
On the retailer side, Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight at NIQ, remarked, “The current upward trajectory of food inflation is putting more pressure on households, especially with the recent price rises now outpacing the broader Consumer Price Index (CPI).” Watkins suggested that increased price competition and widespread promotions could still help consumers manage their outgoings by encouraging them to compare prices across different stores.
Despite these attempts to cushion shoppers from the full brunt of inflation, experts are warning that the outlook for the summer holiday period remains uncertain. Watkins expressed concern that if prices continue to rise, high street retailers could see diminished customer loyalty and spending, which may impact their sales momentum through the coming months. “With inflation on the rise, retailers face the challenge of both retaining customers and managing their own cost pressures as they head into the summer,” he stated.
The BRC and other retail bodies are therefore encouraging consumers to be vigilant, shop around, and take advantage of any special offers or competitive pricing available. For many UK families, switching between stores and brands—or even shopping at local markets—may become an essential strategy for managing household finances as the cost-of-living crisis endures.
The latest inflation figures also come amid wider economic concerns. The broader shop price index, which includes non-food items, has similarly crept up, reflecting a generalised squeeze on consumer spending power. Although some sectors such as fashion and furniture are offering notable discounts, these are not enough to offset the overall upward trend in everyday essentials.
Industry analysts note that while supermarket chains continue to explore ways of keeping prices in check through efficiency savings and supplier negotiations, the underlying global market dynamics—ranging from weather events to international trade routes—will likely maintain upward pressure on prices for the foreseeable future. The Bank of England, monitoring these developments closely, has also highlighted food inflation as a key area to watch in its ongoing economic forecasts.
As the country adapts to this sustained period of inflation, it remains to be seen how both retailers and shoppers will adjust in the months ahead. For now, the call to ‘shop around’ rings louder than ever, offering a practical if challenging, solution in the face of rising costs.