British food basics spike up to 80 per cent in a year: Which?

The price of staple foods such as cheddar cheese, white bread and pork sausages has soared by up to 80 per cent in some shops over the past year, stated a report, highlighting how inflation is hitting those on the tightest budgets the hardest.

According to a report by Which?, porridge oats topped the price increase ranking among a basket of British basics with prices up by an average of 35.5 per cent followed by skimmed milk, which was up by 33.6 per cent, and cheddar cheese, which rose by 28.3 per cent.

The highest spike of 80 per cent is seen in 180g pack of Dragon cheddar cheese in in supermarket Asda, states the report, adding that the supermarket’s own-label cheddar sticks were up by just under 79 per cent while its budget Just Essentials pork sausages were up by 73 per cent, stated The Guardian.

Which?’s tracker also shows that while supermarket own-label budget items remain the cheapest overall, prices rose 24.8 per cent in March year on year.

Sue Davies, the head of food policy at Which?, said: “Our latest supermarket food and drink tracker paints a bleak picture for the millions of households already skipping meals of how inflation is impacting prices on supermarket shelves, with the poorest once again feeling the brunt of the cost of living crisis.

“While the whole food chain affects prices, supermarkets have the power to do more to support people who are struggling, including ensuring everyone has easy access to basic, affordable food ranges at a store near them, particularly in areas where people are most in need.”

Reacting to the Which? findings, an Asda spokesperson said that they are “working hard to keep prices in check for customers despite global inflationary pressures”.

A Tesco spokesperson told The Guardian that with household budgets under continued pressure, the supermarket remain absolutely focused on providing great value for customers.