Basic food costs increases to more than 30% in two years

The cost of some basic food prices has reportedly seen a sharp rise of more than 30% in the past two years, according to figures seen by the Guardian.

Consumer body, Which? Told the Guardian that although food inflation has slowed in recent months, costs are still much higher than they were two years ago.

Which? found that Milk (36.4%), cheese (35.2%), butters and spreads (32.2%), cakes and cookies (31.2%), and bakery items (30.3%) were the products with the highest rates of inflation.

Moreover, the Guardian reported that prices for meat, vegetables, and savoury pies, pastries, and quiches have increased by 19.1%, 23.6%, and 26.2%, respectively, during May to July 2021. Juice and smoothie costs have grown by 28.6%, while biscuit prices have increased by 27%.

In view of this situation, Which? has urged grocers to make affordable and healthy basic food ranges available across all their stores.

It has recently welcomed Tesco’s announcement on Friday that it would be stocking more own-brand and value ranges in its Express stores to support customers with rising grocery bills.

Sue Davies, head of food policy at Which?, said: “Despite well-advertised price cuts, Which?’s tracker shows that the cost of essentials like milk and butter is still very high and piling huge pressure on millions, which is why access to budget ranges is more important than ever to help people save money.”