Household Bills
Inflation-busting price hikes revealed for Heinz Ketchup and Dolmio sauce
Some of the UK’s most popular branded goods have soared in price over the last two years, far exceeding the 14.7% inflation rate for groceries, a consumer champion’s research reveals.
Heinz tomato ketchup (460g top-down bottle) jumped in price by 53%, priced at £1.74 in 2020 but coming in 91p more expensive in 2022 at £2.65.
The Which? research looked at 79 branded items and compared their price at six supermarkets – Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose – in the same month in both 2020 and 2022.
It found the second-biggest average percentage increase was on Dolmio lasagne sauce (470g) which saw buyers fork out an extra 61p as the price shot up from £1.46 in 2020 to £2.07 two years later.
However, Which? revealed that in one supermarket, the price went up by 107% (£1.09).
Other cupboard staples, including Heinz classic cream of chicken soup (400g) also went up by an average 46% across the six supermarkets, taking the price to almost £1.50.
The student favourite Bachelors Super Noodles BBQ beef (90g) also rose 43%, meaning a packet now costs 82p.
Elsewhere, an 800g loaf of Hovis granary wholemeal bread now costs an average £1.97, up 58p.
Anchor spreadable 500g tub of butter shot up by £1.31 on average, while Twinings of London everyday 100 teabags saw shoppers pay an extra £2.33 (up 64%) in one supermarket.
It comes after research group Kantar last week revealed that the prices paid at supermarkets for groceries have jumped by 14.7% compared with the same period a year ago. It said this is the highest level since it started collating the data in 2008. It noted that if shoppers continue to buy the same items, they face a jump in their annual grocery bill of £682.
‘Shocking rate of inflation’
Sue Davies, Which? head of food policy, said: “Our research shows the shocking rate of inflation on some of the nation’s favourite branded foods, which is much higher than the national average, highlighting why it is so important for retailers to provide people with a choice of product ranges.
“Supermarkets must ensure budget lines for healthy and affordable essential items are widely available across their stores, including smaller convenience stores. Promotions should be targeted at those most in need, and people should be supported so they can easily compare the price of products to get the best value.”
Related: 10 ways to save on supermarket shopping.