A warning has been issued for UK supermarket shoppers regarding 21 food items that are rising quickest in price. Which?, the consumer watchdog, has highlighted that fish prices are skyrocketing first, with a 9.7 per cent increase recorded in May.
Which Food Types Have the Highest Inflation?
The list below shows annual inflation for the month of May 2026:
- Fish - 9.7%
- Energy drinks - 5.9%
- Fizzy drinks - 3.9%
- Water - 3.4%
- Savoury pies - 3.4%
- Pastries - 3.4%
- Quiches - 3.4%
- Fresh fruit - 3.4%
- Chilled ready meals - 3.2%
- Vegetables - 3.1%
- Crisps - 2.8%
- Biscuits - 2.7%
- Milk - 2.5%
- Meat - 2.5%
- Cakes - 2.5%
- Cookies - 1.7%
- Bakery - 1.7%
- Cereals - 1.6%
- Yogurts - 1.1%
- Juice drinks - 1%
- Smoothies - 1%
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, commented: "Food price inflation may look like it's easing, but shoppers are still paying the price for years of rising grocery costs. Many households remain under pressure and with inflation due to rise again in the coming months, shoppers are looking for every opportunity to cut the cost of their weekly shop."
She added: "Our research found a significant difference in inflation rates between supermarkets, from 3.8% at Waitrose to 0.8% at Aldi in May. In a separate analysis looking at absolute price rather than inflation, Aldi was also the cheapest supermarket overall, showing that shoppers who compare prices and shop around can make their money go further."
Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: "Retailers are doing everything they can to offer great value to their customers, and the UK has the most affordable grocery prices in Western Europe thanks to the fierce competition between supermarkets. The challenge facing retailers is a combination of higher energy and commodity costs resulting from the Middle East conflict, and the soaring cost of the government's domestic policies."
