Title: 'Six eggs used to be £1' - why everyday essentials cost so much more now

For years, many shoppers have stuck to a familiar routine of purchasing the same supermarket basics every week. Yet, a trip to the checkout often reveals a stark reality: the total bill is significantly higher than in the past, even if shoppers have deliberately avoided indulgences such as wine or biscuits. It may come as a surprise to learn the precise cost of staples like milk, bread, and eggs just a few years ago compared to current prices. Here is an analysis of how much these items have increased, the drivers behind these hikes, and whether any parties are benefiting from the trend.

The Surge in Egg Prices

In 2022, consumers could purchase an average box of six supermarket own-brand free-range eggs for just £1. Today, that same box costs £1.80, according to market researchers Assosia, which analyzed average prices across Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons for the BBC.

This sharp increase follows the culling of millions of hens during the UK’s most severe avian flu outbreak between 2021 and 2023. The resulting sudden decline in laying hens, combined with the high energy costs of keeping birds indoors due to safety restrictions, created significant shortages. Consequently, supermarkets imposed purchase limits per customer, while producers and retailers raised prices to compensate for their losses.

A substantial portion of egg production costs is tied to feed, heating, and transportation. Ukraine, a key grain supplier, saw prices soar after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. This conflict also drove up energy prices, a trend that is being exacerbated by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Despite these cost pressures, demand for eggs remains robust, fueled by the popularity of high-protein diets.

Energy Costs Impact Milk Prices

Milk, another household staple, has also seen price hikes. Data from Assosia on supermarket budget ranges shows that four pints of semi-skimmed milk rose from £1.29 in 2022 to £1.65 currently. Dairy production is energy-intensive, involving milking, processing, and transportation, making the industry vulnerable to energy price spikes following the war in Ukraine.

Although milk prices spiked initially, recent years have seen the rate of increase ease due to a global oversupply. However, the financial strain on producers remains severe. Agricultural analysts at The Andersons Centre report that farmers are now receiving 25% less per litre of milk, with many operating at a loss.

The Profit Squeeze on Producers

While farmers and producers ensure that supermarket shelves remain stocked with eggs, milk, and bread, their input costs have risen faster than inflation over the past year. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the prices producers pay for materials and goods jumped by 7.7% in the year leading to April, marking the largest increase in over three years.

In contrast, factory gate prices—the amounts producers charge retailers and wholesalers—only increased by 4% during the same period. This disparity highlights the pressure on suppliers. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, explains that contracts between producers and supermarkets are negotiated in advance.

"No one can predict with certainty what will happen to producers' and farmers' costs at the time contracts are signed," Hewson notes. While farmers can request higher payments when contracts come up for renewal, they cannot typically adjust prices mid-contract if energy or fuel costs skyrocket. Therefore, Hewson suggests that producers are forced to absorb a portion of these unexpected price increases.

Bread Prices Stabilize Amid Global Tensions

The cost of basic medium-slice white bread has also risen, moving from 65p in 2022 to an average of 74p in major supermarkets. Although Assosia does not track prices at discounters like Aldi and Lidl, the intense competition among supermarkets generally leads to price matching.

The wheat price inflation triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which initially drove up bread costs, has since stabilized. However, The Andersons Centre warns that the conflict in the Middle East has reignited global supply fears. Hewson describes the current situation as a "perfect storm" of inc

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