Food inflation could near 4% in 2025: here’s how you can save money in the supermarkets

Experts are warning that food inflation could rise to 4% by the end of 2025.  

Analysts at the research group Peer Hunt predict that food inflation will rise from 1.5% to 3% this year and could soon reach near 4%. 

The increase is mainly due to higher employer national insurance contributions, a boost in the national living wage and costs from the new Employment Bill, which have resulted in unexpected costs for supermarkets.  

What is food inflation?  

Food inflation is the increase in the price of a product over time. For example, if a bottle of milk costs £1 today but is £1.05 a year later, that’s 5% inflation.  

The prices of hundreds of everyday items, including food, are tracked by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

The rising cost of food should be a wake-up call to rethink your grocery shopping habits.  

Here’s how to save money with a bit of savvy shopping.  

Tips to save money in the supermarkets 

Plan your meals for the week  

Planning your meals for the week ahead means you’ll know exactly what you need. It stops you picking up things you haven’t budgeted for.  

Better still, write a list and take it to the supermarket with you.  

Stock up on non-perishables  

When rice, pasta, or canned goods go on offer, buy in bulk. They last for ages and can save you a lot of money in the long run. 

Go for yellow stickers 

Head straight to the yellow sticker section (you know, the one tucked away at the end of the aisle). These products are nearing their "best before" date, but they’re discounted, sometimes by more than 50%. 

Some items may be suitable for freezing so you can stock up your freezer with discounted products.  

Go for wonky fruit and veg 

You don’t need perfect apples or carrots to make a great meal. Wonky, unpacked fruit and veg is cheaper, often tastes better and lasts longer than pristinely packed products. A no-brainer, surely!  

Buy own brands 

Heinz Baked Beans? Can’t tell the difference? But Aldi’s own will save you money and taste just as good (maybe). 

Use apps for discounted food 

Supermarkets often donate unsold food at the end of the day. Olio and Too Good to Go are apps where you can grab unsold food at a fraction of the price.  

You’ll save money and help fight food waste.  

Frozen doesn’t mean less nutrition  

Fresh food is more nutritious than frozen, isn’t it? Wrong! Minerals and vitamins are ‘locked in’ through freezing, while proteins, fats and carbs are unaffected. So frozen food can be just as nutritious as fresh but at a cheaper price.  

Consider shopping online 

Order your weekly shopping online and save on petrol. It also makes it easier to stick to your shopping list and avoid impulse buys. What’s more,  it can be easier to take advantage of any bulk deals that are on offer, as you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy bags or having limited space in the car.  

That said, while there are financial gains when shopping online, you need to be mindful of delivery costs. 

Switching supermarkets could help you save a lot of money, so it’s worth considering.