UK food prices on track to rise by 50% since start of cost of living crisis
UK food prices are projected to be 50% higher by November 2026 compared to 2021, driven by climate and energy shocks, according to research by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. Beef and olive oil have seen the largest price increases, rising 64% and over 100% respectively. The surge in food costs is exacerbating financial pressure on low-income households and could further strain public health and the NHS.
- ▪Food prices in the UK are on track to rise by 50% between 2021 and November 2026, according to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit.
- ▪Beef prices have increased by 64% and olive oil prices have more than doubled since the start of the cost of living crisis.
- ▪Climate impacts, energy prices, and supply chain disruptions have made foods like butter, milk, beef, chocolate, and coffee key drivers of ongoing food inflation.
- ▪Household food bills rose by an average of £605 over 2022 and 2023 due to these combined factors.
- ▪Adjusting for wages, food prices have risen by 11% since 2021, compounding financial strain from rising energy and water costs.
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The price of beef is up 64% since the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021, the research found. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPAView image in fullscreenThe price of beef is up 64% since the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021, the research found. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPAEconomicsUK food prices on track to rise by 50% since start of cost of living crisisBeef and olive oil costs increase the most as climate and energy shocks drive inflation, research suggestsSimon GoodleyMon 4 May 2026 06.51 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 07.10 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleFood prices are on track to be 50% higher in November than at the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021, research suggests.Climate and energy shocks have driven an almost quadrupling of the pace of food price…
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