A savings expert has warned Britons to stock up on key household items as food prices surge due to the war in the Middle East, revealing what to buy now and what to leave on the shelf. Already, the cost of pasta, frozen vegetables, chocolate, eggs, and beef has risen between 50% and 64% due to increased oil, gas, and synthetic fertiliser prices. Olive oil has seen a staggering 113% increase.
Price Predictions and Public Concern
By November, food prices are expected to be 50% higher than at the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021, according to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU). Retailers have reported widespread public anxiety. The British Retail Consortium (BRC), representing major names like Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and Primark, cited Opinium polling showing that four in five people worry the war will lead to higher grocery prices, while 73% expect it to raise prices on other goods.
Expert Advice on Stockpiling
UK-based savings expert Clair Hughes told The Daily Mail: 'With the Iran war threatening food price rises, stocking your freezer up now could save you a lot of money in the long run.' She recommends focusing on items that freeze well and have long shelf lives.
Foods to Buy Now
1. Meat
Beef prices are rising fast due to low supply, high demand, and increased production costs. In the 12 months to April 2026, meat and poultry inflation rose over 4%, with beef up 64%. Hughes says meat is 'perfect for freezing.' Raw meat can be frozen, defrosted, and cooked, or pre-cooked in batches like chilli con carne or bolognese. Ground meats last 3-4 months, while whole cuts like steaks and chicken fillets last up to a year.
2. Butter
Butter is highly susceptible to price increases, according to the BRC. Surprisingly, it can last up to 12 months in the freezer without losing quality. Hughes advises buying in bulk when on offer.
3. Milk and Cheese
Eggs, milk, and cheese are rising fastest, with some dairy items up 25-30%. Hughes suggests grating a large block of cheese and freezing in portions. Milk can be frozen in its sealed carton. Both milk and hard cheeses last up to 6 months frozen.
4. Potatoes
Potato prices have surged 40% due to the conflict, with some farmers facing fertiliser delays. Hughes recommends buying bags urgently and using them to make mash or homemade wedges for the freezer.
5. Vegetables
Frozen veg, once budget-friendly, has risen 50% since 2021. Hughes advises watching for supermarket sales and prepping fresh produce for freezing.
6. Eggs
Egg prices have soared, with EU wholesale prices up 18.4% in February. Known as 'eggflation,' the conflict has disrupted supply chains. Eggs can be frozen by beating whites and yolks together in a container, lasting up to a year.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil prices have more than doubled, up 113%. It can last over a year in a cool, dry cupboard. Hughes suggests making herb-infused oil by freezing herbs in olive oil in ice cube trays for convenient use.
