Food prices rose again in August, marking the fifth month in a row of increases. Official figures show the fastest growth since early last year.

The cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks increased 5.1% over the year. Beef, butter, milk and chocolate saw the steepest rises.

Slower growth in other areas, including air fares, kept overall inflation steady at 3.8%, the same as July.

Economists said supermarkets are passing higher minimum wage and National Insurance costs directly to shoppers.

Bank of England expected to hold rates

Inflation remains above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Analysts widely expect no change in interest rates this week.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged the strain on households. She pledged to bring costs down and support families facing rising bills.

Her first Budget raised the minimum wage and employer National Insurance Contributions. Businesses warned these measures would push prices higher.

Reeves promised no new borrowing or tax hikes, though speculation about the November Budget continues.

Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride called the figures “deeply worrying” and said Labour’s policies are fuelling inflation.

UK inflation outpaces European countries

The Office for National Statistics reported the fastest rise in food and drink prices in 19 months.

It said UK inflation remains far higher than in major European economies. France recorded 0.8% in August, while Germany posted 2.1%.

Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG, said Britain has become an “outlier” among major economies.

She noted that higher employer National Insurance Contributions pushed business costs up, which companies passed on to consumers.

Essentials hit household budgets hardest

Beef and veal prices jumped nearly 25% in the year to August. Butter rose almost 19%, while chocolate increased 15.4%.

The British Retail Consortium warned food inflation is outpacing wages, which grew 4.7% between May and July.

Director Kris Hamer said families are struggling as pay fails to keep pace. Clothing and footwear costs eased as retailers cleared summer stock.

Staples such as cereals and pasta also saw small price drops in August.

Interest rate cuts remain uncertain

ING economist James Smith said inflation at 3.8% complicates Bank of England decisions.

He warned food inflation could rise further before year-end. The Bank has already cut rates five times since last August, lowering borrowing costs to 4%.

Officials expect inflation to peak at 4% in September. Analysts widely predict no change in rates this week.

Capital Economics doubts a November cut. But economist Paul Dales expects weaker wage growth to bring UK inflation closer to US and eurozone levels.

He forecast rates will fall from 4% to 3% by late next year.

Small bakeries feel rising costs

Tom Egan, who runs Coosh Bakery in Nottingham with his wife, said higher butter and chocolate prices are hitting hard.

Poor cocoa harvests more than doubled supplier costs. A 10kg batch once priced at £60 now exceeds £150.

Butter prices have risen 50% in a year as milk imports fell. Reduced supply has pushed costs higher.

Egan said higher National Insurance Contributions have also “stung”. His bakery has postponed investment in equipment and technology that could boost productivity.