The cost of the weekly shop is soaring as experts have found the prices of essential grocery items are rising by up to 50 per cent.
As the Grocer found, there were 280 price hikes across cheese and butter in major supermarkets including Waitrose, Aldi and Lidl from 6 to 27 June. This comes after supermarket bosses warn that inflation prices are set to continue. Earlier this month, the rate of inflation hit 9.1 per cent, the highest it's been in 40 years.
Researchers highlighted that 300g Lake District Grated Cheese went up in price by 50 per cent and Cathedral City saw price increases of five per cent. Meanwhile, own branded products also saw an increase with Morrisons Italian Mozarella up by 31 per cent to 79p and a 26.7% rise in the cost of a 200g Waitrose Essential Brie to £1.90.
READ MORE: Simple money-saving 'hack' by using cash over card on payday hailed by experts
Figures from British Retail Consortium (BRC) show that food inflation jumped to 5.6 per cent in June, with many feeling the pinch at the checkout tills.
As a result, many Scots are cutting back on food costs. New analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute has warned that a third of Scots are cutting back spending on food and other essentials due to the cost-of-living crisis.
In its latest quarterly economic commentary report, the institute said consumers were “starting to modify their spending behaviour” due to rising prices.
It said more than half of consumers reported that they were spending less on non-essentials, and that a third were spending less on food and other essentials. The Office for National Statistics previously revealed that half of adults surveyed had bought less food due to higher prices.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “This latest analysis demonstrates the scale of the cost-of-living crisis we are in, with Scots having to make difficult decisions about spending on even essential items. We know there is a risk that rising energy bills and inflation could push people into debt, or make existing debt problems worse.
“The important thing to remember is that help is available, and that no one should have to struggle alone. Many Scottish citizens are not claiming the full benefits that they are entitled to. Our online calculator, which can be found at advice.scot, is tailored for Scotland and allows people check their entitlement to both reserved and devolved benefits.
“If you have personal financial worries, are struggling with debt, or need a way of getting back on track, our specialist debt advisers at moneyadvice.scot can help. We also have our energyadvice.scot service available to anyone who needs advice on things like billing and meters, switching suppliers, grants, and other financial assistance.”
READ NEXT
Martin Lewis urges households to apply for £1,500 energy bill grant
Single mum 'intimidated' by fuming neighbours over kids play football in their own garden
Edinburgh students forced to find new home after rent hiked by over £600
Nicola Sturgeon gifts The Queen special bottle of whisky during Edinburgh meeting
Drivers issued pre-MOT check warning after motor almost fails due to car accessory
