Why are UK food prices up by 19% – and which foods are worst affected?

Food staples are among the worst affected products, with prices increasing as much in 24 months as over the preceding 13 years. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

British households are facing the fastest annual increase in food and drink prices since 1977, the latest inflation figures show, as the soaring cost of basic essentials adds to pressure from sky-high energy bills amid the cost of living crisis.

Official figures show food and drink inflation reached 19.1% in March, far above the headline rate of 10.1% for the increase in the cost of an average basket of goods and services.