Grocery Prices Surge: Comparing Today’s Costs to the 60s and 70s

The cost of essential grocery items has dramatically changed since the 1960s and 1970s, with some prices soaring to unprecedented levels. As inflation rates have fluctuated, the impact on household budgets remains significant, particularly for staple foods. According to the Office for National Statistics, the average weekly earnings in the UK have increased to £727 as of July 2025, yet the rising costs of food continue to challenge consumers.

The inflation crisis peaked in October 2022 at a staggering **11.1%**, the highest in **41 years**. While inflation has since eased, many households still grapple with the elevated costs of goods and services. A closer examination of grocery prices from previous decades reveals startling increases across various food staples.

Significant Price Increases Over the Decades

The price of fish has witnessed the most dramatic rise since 1970. The cost of a cod fillet, for instance, has surged nearly **44 times**, escalating from **47p** per kilogram in 1970 to **£20.59** in January 2025. Similarly, butter has risen **24-fold**, while bread has increased by **19 times** during the same period.

Conversely, some items have experienced more moderate price increases. For instance, bananas have gone up just over **six times** since 1970, while onions and flour have increased by **8.4** and **7.7 times**, respectively.

Comparative Analysis of Average Salaries

To contextualize these price changes, it is essential to consider how average salaries have evolved. In April 1960, the average weekly income was **£14.10** based on a **48-hour** workweek. By October 1970, this figure had risen to **£28.05** for full-time male manual workers. Adjusting for inflation, **£1** in 1960 is equivalent to **£20.21** today, while **£1** from 1970 would be worth **£13.84** in today’s terms, according to the Bank of England’s inflation calculator.

The cost of living has not risen uniformly. While some essentials have increased sharply, others have lagged behind. Housing prices, for example, have significantly outpaced inflation and salary growth since the 1960s and 1970s.

Historical Price Data of Grocery Staples

A detailed look at the price evolution of various grocery items illustrates these trends clearly.

– **Beef**: A rump steak cost £1.25 per kg in 1970. By January 2025, that price had escalated to **£18.89**.
– **Flour**: The average cost of a 1.5 kg bag of flour was **9.8p** in 1960, rising to **83p** by January 2025.
– **Bread**: An 800g loaf of white bread was **4.8p** in 1960, now priced at **£1.68**.
– **Milk**: The price for a pint of milk was **3.3p** in 1960 and is currently **65p**.
– **Sugar**: A 1 kg bag of sugar was **7.4p** in 1960 and has risen to **£1.13** in 2025.
– **Eggs**: A dozen eggs averaged **29.5p** in 1960, now **£3.31**.

The rise in grocery prices reflects broader economic trends and consumer challenges. As inflation pressures persist, the affordability of essential goods remains a pressing concern for many families.

The current economic landscape poses questions about how households can adapt to these rising costs and whether salaries will continue to keep pace with inflation. As consumers navigate these challenges, the stark contrast between past and present prices serves as a reminder of the ongoing financial pressures faced by families across the UK.