A poll of 1,000 parents and guardians with children aged 13 to 18 has revealed that weekly food shops rise by an average of £42 when teenagers experience a growth spurt. More than half (55%) said their teen had undergone a growth period in the past year, and of those, 81% reported an increase in their overall grocery bill. Over a quarter (26%) now make at least two extra shopping trips per week beyond their usual food run, with milk, eggs, and cheese topping their essentials list.
Snacking and Meal Demands Drive Up Costs
After school is the peak snacking time, with 46% of teens reaching for extra food between 3pm and 6pm. Nearly a third (29%) of parents claim their teenagers can clear out the cupboards in just three days. Overall, 65% of parents admitted that keeping their teens fed while managing food expenses is a challenge.
The research found that the average teen consumes three boxes of cereal, six packets of crisps, and six portions of fruit during a typical week, alongside regular meals. Extra bread and toast are popular (28%), as are protein-heavy foods like chicken, eggs, and yoghurt (21%). Dinner is the biggest drain on the budget for nearly half (48%) of families, with 28% of teens asking for second helpings several times a week.
Parents Seek Deals and Bulk Out Meals
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer of Aldi, which commissioned the research, said: “From bigger portions at mealtimes to extra snacks throughout the day, it can be tricky to budget for growing appetites. Many parents are feeling the pressure as they try to keep household spending under control.”
The poll revealed that 40% of parents with teens who have gone through a growth spurt are actively seeking more supermarket deals and turning to own-brand products to ease the financial burden. Others are bulking out meals with low-cost staples such as pasta, rice, and potatoes to make them stretch further.
Ashfield added: “Families are increasingly looking for simple, affordable ways to stay stocked up. But it’s also important that we’re providing the right nutrients for their needs. We’re committed to providing access to affordable, high-quality produce, helping parents support teens through these periods of rapid growth without breaking the bank.”
Nutritionist Tips for Fueling Growth Spurts
Aldi has partnered with expert nutritionist Lucy Upton to launch the Growth Spurt Shop, a dedicated online resource for parents. Upton explained that between secondary school and age 16, a teenager's daily energy needs can rise by close to 40% for boys and 20–25% for girls.
Upton’s top tips include: not commenting on changing eating habits, instead serving meals family-style to allow seconds; adding calorie boosters like peanut butter, olive oil, or cheese to accepted foods; building a self-serve snack station with overnight oats, energy balls, smoothies, or trail mix; ensuring adequate iron and calcium through options like baked beans, tuna pasta, or milky drinks; and prioritising protein from milk, yoghurt, eggs, beans, or nuts.
