UK Supermarket Food Prices Rise: Fish, Chocolate, and Fruit Among Biggest Increases in 2026

New data reveals which everyday grocery items are becoming more expensive as households face renewed pressure

UK shoppers are once again facing rising supermarket costs, with new research showing significant price increases across several everyday food and drink categories. Products including fish, chocolate, fresh fruit and energy drinks have recorded some of the largest year-on-year price rises, adding further pressure to household budgets.

According to consumer group Which?, supermarket food inflation increased in June 2026 after more than a year of gradual easing. The latest figures show grocery inflation rising from 2.4 per cent in May to 2.6 per cent in June, highlighting that price pressures remain a concern for millions of families across Britain.

The research analysed more than 27,000 supermarket products over a 12-month period to identify which items experienced the biggest increases. While overall inflation remains well below the record levels seen during the cost of living crisis, many shoppers are still noticing higher prices on essential weekly purchases.

Fish prices record the biggest increase among supermarket products

Fish has become one of the most affected grocery categories, with prices rising by 11.1 per cent compared with June last year. The increase makes fish the fastest-rising food category tracked in the latest research.

The price rise has also affected independent businesses, particularly fish and chip shops. Many owners have warned that increasing costs for popular products such as cod and haddock have forced them to raise menu prices to cover higher expenses.

Industry experts say several factors are contributing to rising food prices, including supply chain challenges, energy costs and international uncertainty. Transport, refrigeration and fuel expenses all play an important role in determining the final price customers pay in supermarkets.

Chocolate, fruit and energy drinks also become more expensive

Alongside fish, several other popular grocery items have seen inflation above the overall supermarket average.

Energy drinks increased by 5.5 per cent compared with the previous year, while chocolate prices rose by 3.8 per cent. Bottled water increased by 3.6 per cent, and fresh fruit prices climbed by 3.4 per cent.

These increases are particularly significant because they affect products regularly purchased by households. Even relatively small price rises can make a noticeable difference when families are managing tight budgets and buying groceries every week.

Consumer experts have warned that supermarkets must continue offering affordable options, including budget ranges and value products, to prevent shoppers from being forced to spend more on basic items.

Which supermarket products saw the biggest individual price rises?

The research also highlighted specific products that experienced some of the largest increases over the year.

The biggest rise was recorded for a 750ml bottle of Shloer Zero White Grape sold at Asda. The price increased by 95 per cent, rising from £1.42 to £2.77.

Other products with significant price increases included Sainsbury’s own-brand pork pies, which rose by 92 per cent, a 40g bag of Kettle crisps at Morrisons, which increased by 70 per cent, and Tesco’s 350g breaded haddock fillets, which rose by 54 per cent.

However, individual product price changes do not always represent the overall cost of shopping at a particular supermarket. Retailers have argued that shoppers should consider the price of their entire basket rather than isolated examples.

Global events continue to influence food prices

One of the major factors affecting food inflation is rising pressure across global supply chains. Increased energy costs, transport expenses and international conflicts can all influence the price of goods imported into the UK.

Energy is a particularly important factor because food production and distribution rely heavily on fuel and electricity. Higher energy costs can affect everything from farming and fishing operations to storage, packaging and supermarket deliveries.

Retail leaders have warned that uncertainty in global markets could continue to create challenges for food prices throughout the year.

Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, previously said that while grocery inflation had remained lower than expected, pressure within the supply chain continued. He highlighted energy costs as one of the major factors contributing to inflation risks.

Supermarkets respond to price concerns

Major supermarkets have defended their pricing strategies and said they remain focused on offering value to customers.

A Tesco spokesperson said the company was committed to keeping the cost of weekly shopping as low as possible. The retailer also questioned the figures, stating that the highlighted products did not reflect the overall value available across its stores.

Sainsbury’s said the products highlighted in the research were not representative of a typical shopping basket. The supermarket said it had invested heavily in keeping prices competitive and reducing the impact of rising costs on customers.

Asda also said it continues to focus on providing low prices across everyday essentials and branded products.

Retailers argue that promotions, loyalty schemes and price investment programmes help customers manage rising costs, although many households remain concerned about the affordability of regular grocery shopping.

How UK shoppers can manage rising supermarket costs

With food prices continuing to change, consumers may need to adjust their shopping habits to reduce spending.

Some practical ways to manage grocery costs include:

• Comparing prices between supermarkets before buying expensive items
• Choosing supermarket own-brand alternatives where possible
• Planning meals in advance to reduce food waste
• Buying seasonal fruit and vegetables, which can often be cheaper
• Using loyalty schemes and discount offers
• Checking frozen alternatives for products affected by price increases

Small changes can help households reduce their weekly spending while still maintaining a balanced diet.

What happens next for UK food prices?

Although supermarket inflation is currently far below the extreme levels seen during the cost of living crisis, the latest figures show that price pressures have not disappeared.

Food prices are influenced by many factors, including global energy markets, weather conditions, transport costs and international events. As a result, shoppers may continue to see fluctuations in the cost of everyday products.

Consumer groups have called on supermarkets to maintain affordable options and ensure that lower-cost choices remain available for families who need them most.

For now, UK households are being encouraged to monitor prices carefully, compare options and make informed choices as supermarkets continue to navigate a challenging economic environment.

Source

This article is based on research and statements originally reported by Which? consumer research and UK retail industry comments published in July 2026.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only. Prices, inflation figures and supermarket policies may change over time. Readers should check current prices directly with retailers before making purchasing decisions.