British households have changed supermarkets as they spend £24 extra per week on their weekly shop, new research has found. It comes as the Food and Drink Federation indicated that the financial strain families are facing could increase later in the year, warning on Wednesday that food inflation is set to hit almost 4% by Christmas, peaking at 6.4% in July 2027.
With Britons feeling the pinch and trying to make their budgets work with the rising cost of food, a survey by cashback shopping app tuck. has revealed that comsumers are taking various measures to lessen the strain. This includes doing their shopping at cheaper supermarkets like discounters Lidl and Aldi, trading down to basic ranges, hunting for discounts and deals – and even skipping meals. The firm said the survey included 3,291 shoppers, 1,603 men and 1,672 women, and was nationally representative across ages and UK regions.
It found that on average, the amount households are spending on their weekly shop has jumped from £70 last year to £94 this year — a £24 a week increase. As a result, 76% have changed the way they shop, the firm says.
Key findings include that:
- 57% have started shopping in cheaper supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl
- 64% have switched to own-brand / basic range products
- 68% have started relying on discounts and money-off deals
- 61% are buying fewer treats and snacks and 52% are avoiding ‘non-essential’ and spontaneous purchases
- 38% have cut down on alcohol
Meanwhile, 19% are skipping meals or eating less, while more than a quarter (28%) have gone “veggie”.
The data suggests that affording groceries is the biggest source of day-to-day financial anxiety, with lower grocery costs (61%) ranking top of a list of changes people said they believe would have the greatest positive impact on their finances.
The research also reveals that 40% of adults are feeling mentally exhausted by financial worries either every day or a number of times a week.
Meanwhile, almost one in five (18%) say they feel anxious about money every day. Additionally, eight in ten (81%) have become more conscious of finding deals, discounts and cashback offers when shopping, due to rising costs.
tuck. CEO Neel Thakrar said: “Our data shows that, on average, families are having to spend 34% more (£24) on the same weekly food shop compared to a year ago, and that is forcing them to make changes, like cutting down on treats, buying less meat and even skipping meals.
“Lower grocery costs is the single biggest factor that respondent say would ease their financial anxiety.”
“Making everyday spending go further through cashback and rewards can provide some welcome breathing room for households trying to manage rising costs,” he added.
Commenting on the FDF figures, its Chief Executive Karen Betts explained the various factors that are driving up prices.
“Food and drink manufacturers have kept food prices as low as possible during the energy shock since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, including by driving new efficiencies in their operations,” she said.
“But they can’t do this indefinitely. The persistently higher costs of energy, logistics and packaging, compounded by this summer’s extreme heat, mean that food prices will rise this year, and we believe that rise will be sustained into 2027.
“As the Prime Minister has recognised, households need some breathing space. Tackling the rising costs of food production will help with the cost of living, as well as giving businesses the confidence they need to invest in a resilient food system.
“Food manufacturing is embedded in every postcode in the UK, so ensuring our industry is fairly supported with energy costs will support growth and jobs everywhere. Ensuring regulation is proportionate and paced will drive down our rapidly rising compliance costs.
“By taking action, government can take the heat out of food inflation, help keep a lid on the cost of the weekly shop, and signal to hard-pressed food manufacturers that they take food security seriously.”
