Supermarket Prices Take a Tiny U‑Turn
Big retailers have just given inflation a little nudge up again. Kantar’s latest snapshot shows grocery prices in August creeping up 1.8% – the first bump in almost six months since March 2023. July, meanwhile, saw a 1.6% rise, making the whole picture look a bit like a rollercoaster that’s getting a new coaster ride.
What’s Really Getting the Price Tag Tangled?
- Baked beans: +5% from last year – who knew these little canisters were suddenly so expensive?
- Kitchen towels: +7% – talk about a wrinkle in the budget.
- When you add up over 180 different items, the trend shows a clear upward push. Some products are hovering at a steady 2% or 3% increase, while a handful are pushing the envelope.
Insight from the Inside
Fraser McKevitt, the retail guru at Kantar, breaks it down: “After hitting a lull in July – the gentlest rate in almost three years – August pushed inflation back up a sliver.” He adds that this slight jump is a reality check after 17 months of declines, returning shoppers to the average inflation levels we saw in the 2018‑2023 window before the cost‑of‑living spike. “It’s a reminder,” McKevitt notes, “that the type of product you’re adding to the basket really decides how heavy the price tag feels.”
Why It Matters to Your Wallet
In plain terms: if you’re buying a lot of groceries that are sticking around the same price range, your total bill will stay relatively consistent. But if you’re sliding in items that have apparently seen a price hike – like our trusty beans or those touch‑nice towels – expect a noticeable bump.
So keep an eye on those labels, shop around, and don’t be afraid to compare the value you’re getting. Every dollar saved or spent adds up over time—especially when the nation’s kitchen tapes are feeling a little heavier on the scales.
