Egg and butter prices drive up UK food inflation as households feel squeeze

Food inflation at 4.2% this month, with prices increasing at fastest pace for 18 months, says British Retail Consortium

A significant" jump in the cost of grocery staples such as eggs and butter is stoking food inflation, according to data pointing to a renewed cost of living squeeze.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said prices had risen at their fastest pace for 18 months, with food inflation hitting 4.2% this month. This was up from 4% in July and the highest reading since February 2024, according to its monthly shop price monitor.