‘It’s scandalous’: UK shoppers on how inflation has hit their favourite products
T he UK inflation rate could drop out of double digits for the first time since last summer when the Office for National Statistics releases figures for March on Wednesday, with the headline rate expected to fall back to 9.8% from 10.4% in February.
Despite the predicted fall, the headline rate of inflation has been stuck at 40-year highs for months and is well above the Bank of England’s official 2% target.
Some products have risen even further in price, leaving consumers with hefty supermarket bills or trying to stock their basket with alternatives.
Shoppers across the country singled out the one item they’ve noticed jump the most in price – and explained why they can’t live without it.
25.7% price rise: currently £4.40 online, £3.50 in March 2022
“Me and my wife have recently had our first baby, and during the pregnancy we found out that she suffers from a vitamin B deficiency. She is also susceptible to an iron deficiency. Bovril was always a very cheap and instant way to get some much needed vitamin B and iron into our diets.
“It’s a scandalous price rise. We didn’t buy any for a little while – we had a mini boycott for a few weeks, but we’re back on it now.
“I work outside a lot of the year in all weather and since entering my thirties I really suffer from frequently needing to visit the toilet if I drink more than one tea or coffee, which really isn’t ideal when you may be some distance away from a toilet. As Bovril has none of the caffeine like tea or coffee, the issue doesn’t persist.”Lloyd Farrell, 34, construction manager in Cardiff
58.8% price rise: currently £1.35 online, 85p in March 2022
“I don’t drink cows’ milk so non-dairy ones are the only options. Asda oat milk, almond milk and soya milk have all [jumped in
Read more on theguardian.com
