British households are switching supermarkets as they spend £24 more a week on weekly shopping, a new study has found. It comes as the Food and Drink Federation flagged the financial strain facing families could increase later this year, warning on Wednesday that food inflation would reach almost 4% by Christmas, peaking at 6.4% in July 2027.
Britons are feeling the pinch and are struggling to make their budgets work with rising food prices, a survey by a cashback shopping app has revealed. showed that consumers are taking various measures to reduce their load. This includes shopping at cheaper supermarkets such as discounters Lidl and Aldi, trading down to basic ranges, looking for discounts and special offers – and even skipping meals. The firm said the survey involved 3,291 shoppers, 1,603 men and 1,672 women, and was nationally representative of all ages and regions of the UK.
It found that the average amount households spend on weekly shopping has jumped from £70 last year to £94 this year, an increase of £24 per week. As a result, 76% have changed the way they shop, the company says.
Key findings include the following:
- 57% have started shopping at cheaper supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl.
- 64% switched to private label/main range products
- 68% began to rely on discounts and great deals.
- 61% are buying fewer treats and snacks, and 52% are avoiding “non-essential” and impulse purchases.
- 38% have reduced their alcohol consumption
Meanwhile, 19% are skipping meals or eating less, and more than a quarter (28%) have become vegetarians.
Data shows that grocery shopping is the biggest source of daily financial worry, with the reduction in grocery costs (61%) topping the list of changes people believe will have the biggest positive impact on their finances.
The study also shows that 40% of adults feel overwhelmed by financial worries every day or several times a week.
Meanwhile, nearly one in five (18%) say they worry about money every day. In addition, eight in ten (81%) are more careful about finding deals, discounts and cashback offers when shopping due to rising prices.
tuck. Chief executive Neil Thakrar said: “Our data shows that on average households are spending 34% more (£24) more at the same grocery store each week compared to a year earlier, forcing them to make changes such as cutting back on treats, buying less meat and even skipping meals.
“Reducing grocery costs is the most important factor that respondents say will ease their financial worries.”
“Increasing everyday spending through cashback and rewards could provide some welcome respite to households struggling to cope with rising costs,” he added.
Commenting on FDF’s figures, its chief executive Karen Betts explained the various factors that are driving up prices.
“Food and beverage producers kept food prices as low as possible during the energy shock following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, including by improving the efficiency of their operations,” she said.
“But they can’t do this indefinitely. Continuingly rising energy, logistics and packaging costs, exacerbated by extreme heat this summer, mean food prices will rise this year and we believe the rise will continue into 2027.”
“As the Prime Minister has recognized, households need a break. Addressing the rising costs of food production will help reduce the cost of living, while also giving businesses the confidence they need to invest in a sustainable food system.
“Food production is embedded in every postcode in the UK, so ensuring our industry is supported fairly by energy costs will support growth and job creation around the world. Ensuring proportionality and pace of regulation will reduce our rapidly increasing compliance costs.
“By taking action, the government can reduce the severity of food inflation, help contain the cost of weekly shopping and send a signal to struggling food producers that they take food security seriously.”