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

For years, many shoppers have relied on the same weekly grocery staples, yet the final checkout total consistently feels heavier than in the past. Even when indulgences such as wine or biscuits are left behind, basic items have become significantly more expensive. But how do current prices for essentials like milk, bread, and eggs compare to just a few years ago? We examine the extent of these price hikes, the underlying causes, and whether any specific parties are benefiting from the surge.

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 commands £1.80, according to market researchers Assosia, who analyzed average pricing across Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons for the BBC.

This dramatic increase was triggered by the UK’s most severe avian flu outbreak between 2021 and 2023, which led to the culling of millions of hens. The resulting scarcity, compounded by the high energy costs of keeping birds indoors to meet safety restrictions, created severe shortages. Consequently, supermarkets implemented purchase limits, while producers and retailers raised prices to mitigate their financial losses.

A significant portion of egg production costs is tied to purchasing grain for feed, heating poultry sheds, and logistics. Ukraine, a key grain supplier, saw costs skyrocket following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. This conflict also drove up energy prices—a trend that is being echoed again due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. Meanwhile, demand for eggs remains robust, fueled by the growing popularity of high-protein diets.

Energy-Intensive Dairy

Milk has also seen a price hike, rising from £1.29 for four pints of semi-skimmed milk in 2022 to £1.65 currently, based on Assosia’s data regarding supermarket budget ranges. The dairy sector is heavily energy-dependent for milking, processing, and transportation, making it vulnerable to the energy spikes caused by the war in Ukraine. Although global oversupply has helped stabilize milk prices in recent years following an initial surge, the pressure on producers remains. According to agricultural analysts at The Andersons Centre, 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 that supermarket shelves remain stocked with eggs, milk, and bread, their input costs have climbed well above the general inflation rate over the past 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 up to April, marking the largest rise in over three years.

In contrast, factory gate prices—the amount producers charge retailers or wholesalers—only increased by 4% during the same period. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, explains that contracts between producers and supermarkets are established in advance. “Without a crystal ball nobody can know what is going to happen” to costs when these agreements are signed. Although farmers can negotiate higher rates upon contract renewal, they generally cannot adjust prices mid-contract when energy or fuel costs surge. 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 Amid Geopolitical Fears

The average cost of a basic medium slice of white bread in major supermarkets has risen from 65p in 2022 to 74p today. While Assosia does not track prices at discounters like Aldi and Lidl, major supermarkets often price-match due to intense competition for customers.

The wheat price inflation triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which initially drove up bread costs, has since leveled out. However, The Andersons Centre highlights that conflict in the Middle East has reignited fears regarding global supply chains. Hewson describes the situation as a “perfect storm” of inc...

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