Consumer group Which? has reported that grocery inflation is back on the rise for the first time since May last year, with 19 food and drink items seeing price increases in British supermarkets. The latest index from the UK consumer watchdog identified the product categories most affected, warning that the uptick could signal further rises due to global conflicts and supply chain disruptions.
Fish Prices Lead Inflation Surge
According to Which?'s inflation tracker, fish is the worst-affected category, experiencing 11% annual inflation in June 2026. The price hikes are attributed to the ongoing war in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine, and a 35% tariff imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The tracker compares prices across the same three-month and one-month periods year-on-year, including discounts but not multibuys or loyalty card offers.
Specific products saw dramatic increases: Tesco Breaded Chunky Haddock Fillets (350g) and its Breaded Chunky Cod Fillets rose from £3.49 to £5.40 over the year, a 54% jump.
Full List of Items with Highest Annual Inflation
Which? examined more than 26,000 food and drink items at eight major supermarkets. The product groups with the highest annual inflation for June 2026 are:
- Fish – 11%
- Energy drinks – 5.5%
- Chocolate – 3.8%
- Water – 3.6%
- Fresh fruit – 3.4%
- Fizzy drinks – 3.3%
- Savoury pies, pastries, and quiches – 3.1%
- Chilled ready meals – 3%
- Biscuits – 3%
- Crisps – 3%
- Vegetables – 2.9%
- Cakes and cookies – 2.4%
- Milk – 2.3%
- Meat – 1.9%
- Yoghurts – 1.7%
- Bakery – 1.6%
- Cereals – 1.5%
- Juice drinks and smoothies – 1.1%
- Cheese – 0.3%
Experts Warn of Further Price Rises
Retail experts told the Daily Express that global events, including conflicts and climate patterns, are expected to drive further price increases. Jim Mellon, an investor and Chief Executive of Agronomics, said: "Global conflicts, along with climate change, are causing food shortages, supply chain issues and price spikes in the UK and beyond."
Marty Bauer, a retail analyst at Omnisend, added that rising oil and gas prices will make transporting goods more expensive. "That extra cost rarely disappears, and most of Britain’s biggest retailers will likely do anything to avoid it impacting their margins, so unfortunately, it tends to be passed down the chain, while making sure to avoid deterring consumers entirely," Bauer explained.
