UK CPI annual rate: food and non-alcoholic beverages
UK CPI annual rate: food and non-alcoholic beverages stood at 1.3% 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 1989 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPI annual rate by division | |||||||||||
| Food and non-alcoholic beverages | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 3 | 3.7 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 4.2 | |
| Alcoholic beverages and tobacco | 2.7 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.8 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 4 |
Understanding UK CPI annual rate: food and non-alcoholic beverages
Grocery purchases and non-alcoholic beverages bought across the United Kingdom form the basis of this twelve-month inflation metric. Items span unprocessed staples like fresh vegetables, meat and fish alongside highly processed items, confectionery, fruit juices, bottled water and hot soft drinks sourced from supermarkets, corner shops and specialist stores throughout the United Kingdom. Catering services, hot meals eaten out, and any alcoholic beverages are strictly excluded from this category, as those items belong to separate divisions within the consumer price framework.
Interpreting this twelve-month rate requires accounting for pronounced seasonal fluctuations in fresh produce prices caused by domestic and international harvest cycles, weather anomalies, and shifting supply chains. Analysts should avoid relying on single-month movements alone because temporary weather disruptions frequently distort short-term agricultural pricing before mean-reverting. When comparing this series with headline inflation, remember that staple grocery bills often exhibit higher volatility than manufactured goods, driven directly by raw agricultural commodity shifts and global shipping cost pressures across the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does this division fluctuate more than manufactured goods?
- Prices depend heavily on unpredictable harvest yields, weather shocks, and international agricultural commodity markets.
- Are restaurant meals included in this food index?
- No, all dining out and catering services are recorded under a separate hospitality division.
- Does this series cover the entire United Kingdom?
- Yes, price collection occurs nationwide across various retail formats.