The average price of food and non-alcoholic drinks in the UK rose by 39.6 per cent in the six years from September 2020 to September 2026, according to new data commissioned by the Scottish National Party (SNP) and analysed by the House of Commons Library. The increase adds approximately £520 a year to the average household's shopping bill.
Rising Costs Since 2020
For comparison, in the previous six years, prices increased by 1.57 per cent. Average weekly household spending on food and non-alcoholic drinks stood at £63.70 in 2019/2020, rising to £73.70 by 2024/25.
The Bank of England has forecast that food inflation will rise to around 5 per cent next year.
Political Response
SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan said basic essentials are becoming 'increasingly unaffordable'. He said: "Andy Burnham promised he would cut the cost of living but on his watch every major household bill has increased, leaving many families thousands of pounds worse off. Brexit Britain is broken and the basic essentials of everyday living are becoming increasingly unaffordable for most people, but the Labour Government is sitting on its hands doing next to nothing to help."
He added: "People used to warn hard-pressed households were having to choose between heating and eating, but with the price of food up 40pc and energy bills set to be around £1,200 higher than the Labour Party promised this winter, many families are now struggling to afford either."
Specific Price Increases
Specific food items have increased in price since 2025. The data shows the average cost of a 1kg pack of minced beef rose by 22 per cent from £8.92 in January 2025 to £10.87 in September this year. A 300g pack of fish fingers and other breaded fish increased by 21 per cent from £2.63 to £3.19, and fresh fish rose by 33 per cent, with a kilogramme of cod increasing from £19.09 to £25.56 in 18 months.
Mr Doogan stated: "The truth is Andy Burnham is failing families and breaking his promises. He promised radical change but has presided over soaring prices and declining living standards, forcing families to cut back, or even skip meals, just to get by. The Labour Government must get its head out of the sand and bring forward a meaningful package of emergency support for households this winter."
A UK Government spokesperson said in response: "We know many households are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living, which is why we are taking action to keep prices down. This Budget provided breathing space through £100 of energy support for millions of households, continued support for motorists through the fuel duty freeze, and reduced tariffs on everyday essentials. Food security is national security, and we are working with farmers, food producers and retailers to strengthen the UK's resilience."
