UK CPIH index: food
UK CPIH index: food stood at 144.1 in Aug 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Consumer price inflation table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1988 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Consumer price inflation table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPIH index by group | |||||||||||
| Food | 144.1 | 143.6 | 143.6 | 144 | 144.1 | 144.1 | 143.7 | 143.7 | 143.9 | 142.6 | |
| Non-alcoholic beverages | 151.9 | 150.3 | 150.2 | 149.9 | 150.5 | 150.2 | 149 | 148.7 | 148.1 | 148.7 |
Understanding UK CPIH index: food
Representing the monthly price level for edible grocery items across the United Kingdom, this index tracks a broad basket of unprocessed and processed sustenance purchased for domestic consumption. Distinct from sibling indices covering catering services or alcoholic drinks, this metric focuses exclusively on supermarket and grocery shop transactions, spanning fresh produce, meats, bakery goods, and pantry staples. The index benchmark establishes a reference point against which subsequent retail price movements for nutrition products are gauged across the United Kingdom.
When evaluating these figures, users must account for the high volatility driven by seasonal harvests, global commodity price swings, and supermarket discounting cycles. Revisions to early sample estimates can occur as late-reporting retail outlets submit data adjustments. Comparing this index with non-food categories reveals how domestic sustenance costs diverge from broader inflationary pressures, as food prices often react much faster to supply chain shocks.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this index include meals bought in restaurants or cafés?
- No, catering services are recorded in a separate hospitality division, whereas this index covers groceries purchased for home consumption.
- How frequently is the underlying grocery basket updated?
- The basket of goods and their sample weights are reviewed annually to reflect shifting dietary habits and purchasing patterns across the United Kingdom.
- Why might this index show sudden monthly shifts?
- Grocery prices are heavily influenced by short-term supply disruptions, weather-related harvest changes, and transient retail promotional pricing.