Shoppers are “sick” because food prices are 17 percent higher than last year
The cost of basic food items remains very high – some have almost doubled since last year.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), food and soft drinks are 16.9 per cent more expensive than a year ago. This means that an item that used to cost £7 will now cost £8.18.
The ONS has been tracking how prices have risen over the past year, with dairy products among the worst hit. A kilo of cheese cost £6.21 in December 2021, but averaged £8.32 at the start of the year. Two pints of milk cost only 92 p. – In 2023, it’s hard to find a single product for less than £1.30.
Statistics from endfuelpoverty.org.uk show that in the 10 most deprived areas in the UK, 19 per cent of people say they cannot afford food and bills at the end of the month, rising to 26 per cent. cent in the 10 poorest regions.
Larry Hunt, a shopper at Sainsbury’s in Wolverhampton’s Raglan Street, said he was “sickened” by the cost of everyday shopping.
A 75-year-old man said: “My wife and I are retired, so we’re not bad, but I feel sorry for those who can’t afford such a price, what are they going to do?”
“I don’t know how they manage, I really don’t.”
At Aldi on South Street, Sophie, a 19-year-old University of Wolverhampton student, said the budget supermarket was her “only option”.
“I can’t afford to shop elsewhere, especially when I’m a student. “I love shopping here because it’s so cheap. Sainsbury’s, M&S and Waitrose are out of the question for me.’
Gunesh Aksoy, of Tesco in Marston Road, recalled that the price was “half of what it is now”.
The 45-year-old said: “The prices are ridiculous now, it’s unacceptable. It makes me sad. I go to Aldi when I can, but it’s good that some stores are matching Aldi’s prices, at least that’s one good thing.”
Below is the current average price of some basic food items and how much they will cost in March 2022, according to comparative information from trolley.co.uk.
Milk, two pints – was 92p, now £1.30
Pasta, 500g was 70p, now 95p
Bisto Gravy, 350g was £2.25, now £4.50
Heinz Ketchup, 700g was £2.80, now £3.90
Cathedral City Soft Cheddar Cheese, 350g – Was £3.25, Now £4.20
Bread made of medium cut flour, 800g was 55r, now it is 85r.
Long grain white rice, 1kg was £1.35, now £1.45
Nescafe Original instant coffee 300g was £7, now £7.20
Proprietary Butter, 500g was £2.95, now £3.95
Milk, two pints – was 89p, now £1.30
Pasta, 500g was 70p, now 95p
Bisto Gravy, 350g was £2.60, now £4.50 (£3 with club card)
Heinz Ketchup, 700g was £2.79, now £3.90
Cathedral City Soft Cheddar Cheese, 350g – Was £3.50, Still £3.50
Bread made of medium cut flour, 800g was 59r, now it is 85r.
Long grain white rice, 1kg was £1.25, now £1.50
Nescafe Original 300g was £5, now £7
Proprietary Butter, 250g was £1.48, now £1.99
Milk, two pints – was 95p, now £1.30
Pasta, 500g was 70p, now 95p
Bisto Gravy, 350g was £2, now £4.50
Heinz Ketchup, 700g was £2.79, now £3.90
Cathedral City Soft Cheddar Cheese, 350g Was £2.75, Now £2.70
Bread made of medium cut flour, 800g was 58r, now it is 95r.
Long grain white rice, 1kg was £1.18, now £1.50
Nescafe Original, 300g was £5, now £6
Proprietary Butter, 250g was £1.55, now £1.99
Milk, two pints – was 95p, now £1.30
Pasta, 500g was 75p, now 95p
Own Chicken Broth, 500g Was £1.49, Now £2.49
Heinz Ketchup, 700g was £2.80, now £3.50
Cathedral City Soft Cheddar Cheese, 350g – Was £2.50, Now £3
Bread made of medium cut flour, 800g was 59r, now it is 85r.
Long grain white rice, 1kg was £1.20, now £1.35
Nescafe Original, 300g was £5, now £8
Proprietary Butter, 250g was £1.55, now £1.99