UK households are facing a potential £275 rise in their annual food and drink bills this year, with prices increasing once again. According to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator, food costs climbed by 5.2% in the past month compared to a year ago, pushing many shoppers to find cheaper alternatives or simplify meals at home.

The research highlights a shift in behaviour, with more people turning to supermarket own-brands, hunting for deals, or visiting budget retailers to manage rising grocery bills. Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Worldpanel, said prices are once again climbing sharply-mirroring the surge seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 when energy and commodity prices spiked.

Key items seeing the steepest price increases in the four weeks to 17 July included chocolate, fresh meat, and spreads like butter. Meanwhile, some products such as dog food, confectionery, and laundry items saw slight drops in price. The average household currently spends about £5,283 a year on groceries—an amount set to rise if shopping habits don’t adjust.

Worldpanel's data also reveals that many households are simplifying dinners, with nearly 70% of meals now containing fewer than six ingredients. Around one in five UK households are reportedly struggling with food bills and have little room left to cut back.