11.6% grocery price inflation will put huge dent in household finances, Which? warns

Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food and Consumer Protection Policy, said:

"Grocery bills rising by hundreds of pounds annually will put a huge dent in already-stretched household finances. Even before the latest increases, Which? found the cost of hundreds of popular items had soared by more than 20 per cent in two years. People are responding in a range of ways, including in the most desperate cases having to miss meals, or resorting to food banks.

"Budget ranges are becoming increasingly vital amid the worsening cost of living crisis, but our investigations have suggested that own-brand budget labels have become less available just as consumers need them most.

"The government must support those who are struggling - but supermarkets can also boost budget range availability across stores so people do not have to pay excessive prices for everyday essentials. They should be more upfront about costs and provide clear unit pricing to help shoppers to easily compare items."