British shoppers’ purse strings may have been feeling the strain this August, with record-breaking inflation seeing prices jump by the biggest margin since records began in 1997.
Prices of goods and services rose by 3.2% in the year to August, Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released last week (15 September) revealed, up from a 2% increase in the year to July.
This refers to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), a measure of price inflation that weighs changes in the average price of a basket of goods and services used by households, including food, transport, energy, clothes and other items.
It showed that food has become 0.2% more expensive over the last year, while non-alcoholic drinks prices have increased by 0.8% and alcoholic beverages by 1.9%.
Pressure from gas price rises, a crisis in carbon dioxide (CO2) production and a shortage of lorry drivers have spurred fears of potential food shortages in the run up to Christmas – although Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sought to downplay concerns.
But with prices of some individual items rising by more than 13%, which food and drinks are leaving shoppers feeling the pinch?
Here NationalWorld reveals the 20 items with the biggest price hikes in the 12 months to August, according to the ONS data.

13. Wine
Grape-based wine prices have matured by 3.2% over the year. Photo: Shutterstock

14. 'Other' milk products
Milk products excluding whole milk, low fat milk, yogurt, cheese and curd have increased by 3.1%. That includes cream, milk-based desserts, milkshakes, and dairy alternatives such as soya milk. Photo: Shutterstock

15. Frozen seafood
Frozen seafood prices have risen by 2.5%, leaving fish-finger lovers hot under the collar. Photo: Wikicommons

16. Whole milk
Whole milk prices have risen by 2.3%. Photo: Pixabay

