Coffee, olive oil, meat, dairy, salad and more.
The nine household food essentials set to reach record-breaking price in 2026
The food essentials set to reach record-breaking prices in 2026 have been revealed. Coffee, which jumped 45 per cent in 2025, is set to rise AGAIN this year, due to farming issues in South America, while olive oil is also tipped to skyrocket again after a 42 per cent hike last year.
“Foods most exposed to climate change, like cocoa, coffee, olive oil and rice, are all going to go up, says Patrick Young, from food shopping analyst PRS IN VIVO. “Climate volatility, geopolitical instability, labour shortages, and ongoing supply chain disruptions are all contributing to elevated food costs.”
Oisin Hanrahan, CEO of Keychain, a food manufacturing platform backed by Tesco, said: “If there are issues in South America, retailers usually then turn to the US and Spain for oranges but similar issues have been experienced there.
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“With juice, the concern is that supply issues are not just driving up prices, but leading to an inferior product, with producers using less actual orange juice in their cartons in an effort to keep prices down.”
Chocolate, which rose 17 per cent last year, could also skyrocket, as well as chicken, lamb, beef, salad, eggs and milk.
“Cocoa may continue to climb following successive years of poor harvests,” says Patrick. “Confectionery prices will skyrocket,” says Oisin.
“Fresh produce such as berries, salad leaves, tomatoes and citrus fruits are likely to become more expensive,” says retail expert Martin Newman of 2026’s price hikes.
“That’s because unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, and climate-related crop failures will continue to affect global supply.”
Patrick says: “Supermarkets are also putting more muscle behind loyalty schemes, with member pricing becoming increasingly common, so scanning your app or card at checkout will be essential.
“Planning meals around promotions and using frozen alternatives for fruit, veg, and protein will offer big wins without sacrificing nutrition.”
“The energy and feed issues are in part the result of disruption caused by the war in Ukraine,” explains Oisin. “My prediction is that lamb prices will continue to rise.”
“Beef prices are also high on the food price inflation list. The price of beef is rising at six times the rate of the price of beans and lentils.
“These cost increases will continue into 2026 and will fundamentally change consumer behaviour.”
“This will continue to be felt with cheese, milk and yoghurt,” warns Oisin. “Eggs have become emblematic of rising food costs, caused by energy prices and avian influenza, which means farmers are having to cull large portions of their stock. This has been going on since 2022 and the price rises will only continue.”
Dining and Cooking