New figures show food inflation slowed down for the first time since March, with the inflation rate reaching 4.5% in September, down from 5.1% in August.

Overall, UK inflation rose to 3.8% in the 12 months to September, unchanged from the month prior, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

However, inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased by 0.2% in September month-over-month compared to a 0.4% increase in the same period last year.

This marks the first time food prices have decreased on a monthly basis since May 2024.

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The price of vegetables, milk, cheese and eggs, bread and cereals, fish and mineral waters, soft drinks and juices experienced a small downturn. While the decrease in food and non-alcoholic beverages was driven by an increase in sales and discounts at a higher level than September 2024.

Pieter Reynders, partner at global management consultants McKinsey & Company, said: “Inflation continues its zigzag path, holding steady at 3.8%, but remains significantly above the 2% target. Core inflation, however, was slightly below last month’s figure at 3.5%, which is a small but welcome step in the right direction.

“Food inflation continues to outstrip overall CPI at 4.5%, though that’s down from 5.1% last month, consumers will still be noticing increased costs in their weekly shop, with transport costs, including motor fuels and airfares, also adding to household strain.”