Food inflation increased to 4.9% in the 12 months to October 2025, a rise from 4.5% in September, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Food and non-alcoholic drink prices went up by 0.5% on a monthly basis compared to an increase of 0.1% in the year prior.

However, overall inflation for the 12 months to October 2025 increased by 3.6%, which marks a decrease from the 3.8% rise in September.

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.4% on a monthly basis in October 2025, compared to a 0.6% increase in October 2024.

Karen Betts, chief executive of The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said: “It’s very concerning to see food price inflation continue to rise, particularly as we approach Christmas.

“Food and drink manufacturers are paying nearly 40% more for ingredients and energy than they were in January 2020, as well as bearing a range of newer regulatory costs, like new packaging taxes and increases to employer national insurance. Hard-pressed food and drink companies are finding they simply have no choice but to increase prices.”

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The food categories which experienced an increase in inflation were bread and cereals at 0.02% and meat, fish, vegetables and sugar and confectionery at 0.01% respectively.

Betts added: “As the Budget approaches, food manufacturers are nervous, with nine in ten worried about the impact of additional costs and taxes on food prices.

“We want instead to see the Government step up and support our sector by protecting businesses from unwelcome tax surprises and partnering with us to drive growth and build resilience to help prevent future price rises for shoppers.”