FOOD prices are on track to be 50 per cent higher by the end of the year compared to when the cost of living squeeze started, new research shows.
Grocery staples such as pasta, frozen vegetables, eggs and beef are all up by between half and 64 per cent as Brits are hit in the pocket.
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The cost of some items is set to double, adding to the already crippling cost of living crisis Credit: Getty
The war in the Middle East is having a direct effect on the price of food and drink for Brits Credit: Reuters
The impact of America’s war with Iran has triggered a surge in oil and gas costs which has led to a rise in food production costs.
The price growth seen in nearly 20 years before the crisis starting in 2021 would be achieved in just five years, a think tank reveals.
Pressure on the food system has come from volatile oil and gas prices, fertiliser costs and climate impacts such as droughts, floods and heatwaves.
Household food costs have pushed bills up by an average of £605 for 2022 and 2023 with energy costs accounting for £244.
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The price of butter, milk, beef, chocolate and coffee has jumped more than four times faster than other food and drink.
Chris Jaccarini, of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “Trump’s war in the Middle East is set to drive shopping bills higher as oil and gas prices spike.
Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, said: “Food prices rising this high and this fast leaves families on the lowest incomes with nowhere left to cut except the food on their plate.”
