Food prices are rising as the cost of the weekly supermarket shop is set to add to the pressure of rising heating bills during the colder months.
The latest inflation figures showed food inflation at 1.8 percent for the year to September, above the 1.7 percent overall figure.
Prices for fresh vegetables were up 5.2 percent, coffee was up 5.8 percent, while prices for chocolate have increased 9.5 percent.
Pete Mugleston, money expert and MD of www.onlinemoneyadvisor.co.uk, said: “The cost of the average supermarket shop may increase by more than the reported inflation rate.
“This is because some items can experience sharper price increases, and consumers may implement selective pricing strategies.
“There is a real concern that food costs could continue to drive up the overall cost of living, especially with winter heating bills on the rise.
“The combination of increasing food prices and higher energy costs could create financial strain for many households.”
He said reasons for high food prices include supply chain issues, rising production costs and extreme weather hitting crop yields.
Other common food items that are more expensive include potatoes, with prices up 5.8 percent, and tea, up 6.2 percent, while bread now costs 1.6 percent more than a year ago.
Rajan Lakhani, personal finance expert at smart money app Plum, said: “Prices for some items are continuing to be very high, for example olive oil, coffee and cocoa, which have all suffered due to extreme weather in the regions where they are produced.
“Global geopolitical events also continue to make their presence felt in our supermarket trollies even with inflation getting under control.”
“The autumn heading into winter is always an expensive time for food shopping due to the Christmas period, plus finances are under extra pressure from present shopping and higher energy bills over the winter period.”
Savings expert Greg Marsh, CEO of money-saving tool Nous.co, warned rising food bills hit the most vulnerable the hardest.
He commented: “Rising food prices hit lower-income households hardest, because they spend a bigger proportion of their wages on groceries.
“At the same time, energy bills have risen just as we move into the colder months, putting extra pressure on stretched budgets.”
Turning to how people can keep down their costs, Mr Lakhani encouraged families to use discounts and vouchers and to build up their savings ahead of the Christmas period.
Mr Mugleston suggested how to reduce your food bill, saying: “Meal planning can prevent impulse buys and reduce waste, while buying in bulk can lead to savings over time.
“Opting for store brands and purchasing seasonal produce are effective ways to cut costs. Keeping an eye out for sales and discounts can also make an impact, along with being mindful of food waste, can make a substantial difference in managing expenses during these challenging times.”
