Food prices soar to record high with coffee and ready meal costs hit

Food prices increased to 15.7 per cent – the highest on record in April

Food prices have soared to a new record high as consumers continue to feel the pinch in the cost of living crisis, with ready meals and coffee becoming considerably more expensive.

Overall shop inflation eased back slightly from record highs in April as spring discounts at fashion and furniture stores meant wider retail inflation slowed.

But food prices increased to 15.7 per cent, the highest on record, during the same period to continue pressure on household budgets, according to the latest BRC-NielsenIQ shop price index.