‘Six eggs used to be £1’ - why everyday essentials cost so much more now

For years, many shoppers have purchased the same weekly supermarket staples, yet the final bill at the checkout often feels disproportionately higher than in the past, even when premium items like wine or biscuits are avoided. However, the exact magnitude of price hikes for common goods such as milk, bread, and eggs may still come as a shock when compared to costs just a few years ago. This report examines the extent of these increases, the underlying causes, and whether any specific parties are benefiting from the trend.

The Surge in Egg Prices

According to market researchers Assosia, which analyzed average prices across major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons for the BBC, a box of six supermarket own-brand free-range eggs cost just £1 in 2022. Today, that same item costs £1.80. This sharp increase was triggered by the culling of millions of hens during the UK’s most severe avian flu outbreak between 2021 and 2023. The resulting scarcity, compounded by the energy expenses required to keep birds indoors under new restrictions, led to significant shortages. Consequently, supermarkets imposed purchase limits, while both producers and retailers raised prices to recoup their losses.

Production costs for eggs are heavily influenced by the price of grain for feed, heating facilities, and transportation. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the cost of grain—a key commodity supplied largely by Ukraine—soared. Furthermore, the conflict drove up global energy prices, a trend that is currently being exacerbated by the war in the Middle East. Despite these financial pressures, demand for eggs remains robust, driven by the popularity of high-protein diets.

Energy Costs Impact Dairy

Milk, another household staple, has also seen price increases. Assosia’s data indicates that four pints of semi-skimmed milk rose from £1.29 in 2022 to £1.65 currently. Dairy farming is energy-intensive, involving significant power usage for milking, processing, and logistics. As a result, the energy price spikes following the Ukraine war severely impacted the industry. Although prices have stabilized somewhat in recent years due to a global oversupply of dairy, the strain on producers remains evident. Agricultural analysts at The Andersons Centre report that dairy farmers are now receiving 25% less per litre of milk than before, with many operating at a loss.

The Profit Squeeze on Producers

While farmers and producers ensure supermarkets remain stocked with essentials like eggs, milk, and bread, their operational costs have outpaced inflation over the last year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that the prices producers pay for materials and goods increased by 7.7% in the year leading to April, marking the largest jump in over three years. In contrast, factory gate prices—the rates at which producers sell to retailers or wholesalers—rose by only 4% during the same period.

Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, explains that the disparity stems from advance contracting. "Without a crystal ball nobody can know what is going to happen" to costs when these agreements are finalized. While producers can negotiate higher rates when contracts are renewed, they cannot typically adjust prices mid-contract during sudden spikes in energy or fuel costs. Hewson notes, "So there will be a degree of some of these price increases, obviously, having to be swallowed by some of these producers."

Bread Prices Stabilize

The cost of a basic medium slice of white bread increased from 65p in 2022 to an average of 74p in major supermarkets today. Although Assosia does not track pricing for discounters like Aldi and Lidl, major supermarkets generally engage in fierce competition, leading them to price-match. The initial wheat price surge caused by the Ukraine invasion had previously driven bread costs up, but this has since leveled out. However, The Andersons Centre warns that ongoing conflict in the Middle East has reignited fears regarding global supply chains. Hewson describes the situation as a "perfect storm" of inciting factors.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-24 01:02:55 UTC