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

For years, many of us have stuck to purchasing the same basic grocery items every week. It is a common observation that the final tally at the checkout is significantly higher now than in the past, even when shoppers deliberately avoid indulgences such as wine or biscuits. However, the exact extent to which the prices of fundamental goods like bread, milk, and eggs have surged over just a few years may come as a shock. This analysis explores the magnitude of these price hikes, the underlying causes, and whether any specific parties are benefiting from the trend.

The Surge in Egg Prices

In 2022, the average cost for a box of six own-brand free-range eggs at major supermarkets was just £1. According to market researchers Assosia, which analyzed average prices across Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons for the BBC, that same box now costs £1.80.

This dramatic increase was triggered by the UK’s most severe avian flu outbreak between 2021 and 2023, which resulted in the culling of millions of hens. The resulting scarcity, compounded by the energy expenses required to keep birds indoors under strict regulations, led to severe shortages. Consequently, supermarkets imposed purchase limits, while both producers and retailers raised prices to mitigate their financial losses.

Production costs for eggs are heavily influenced by the price of grain for feed, heating facilities, and transportation. With Ukraine being a key grain supplier, costs escalated sharply following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The conflict also drove up energy prices, a trend that is being exacerbated again by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Despite these rising costs, demand for eggs remains robust, driven by the popularity of high-protein diets.

Energy Intensity in Dairy Production

Milk, another staple, has also seen price increases. Data from Assosia indicates that four pints of semi-skimmed milk rose from £1.29 in 2022 to £1.65 today within supermarket budget ranges. The dairy sector is energy-intensive, requiring significant power for milking, processing, and distribution. Therefore, the energy price spikes following the war in Ukraine severely impacted the industry, driving up costs.

Although milk prices experienced an initial surge, the rate of increase has slowed in recent years due to a global oversupply. However, the financial strain on producers remains acute. Agricultural analysts at The Andersons Centre report that dairy farmers are receiving 25% less per litre of milk compared to previous levels, with many operating at a loss.

The Squeeze on Producers

While farmers and producers ensure that supermarket shelves remain stocked with essentials like eggs, milk, and bread, their input costs have climbed faster than inflation 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 to April, marking the largest rise in over three years.

In contrast, factory gate prices—the rates at which producers sell to 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 finalized in advance. “Without a crystal ball nobody can know what is going to happen” to costs at the time of signing.

Hewson notes that while farmers can negotiate higher prices upon contract renewal, they cannot typically adjust rates mid-contract even if energy or fuel costs skyrocket. “So there will be a degree of some of these price increases, obviously, having to be swallowed by some of these producers,” she says.

Bread Prices Stabilize Amidst Global Tensions

The cost of a standard loaf of medium-slice white bread increased from 65p in 2022 to an average of 74p in major supermarkets. While Assosia does not track prices at discounters like Aldi and Lidl, other supermarkets often match these prices due to fierce competition for customers.

The wheat price inflation triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which had previously driven up bread costs, has now leveled out. Nevertheless, The Andersons Centre highlights that conflict in the Middle East has ignited fears regarding global supply chains. Hewson describes the current situation as a “perfect storm” of inc

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