Soaring food prices affecting mental health of shoppers and families across the UK, according to WHICH?

New research conducted by consumer watchdog Which? unveils that soaring food prices are critically affecting the mental health of shoppers and families across the UK.

The escalated cost of everyday groceries is adversely impacting the mental well-being of one in four people, a worrying statistic brought to light by Which?’s recent survey.

The survey also shows that these rising costs are contributing to disruptions in sleep patterns, dietary habits, and overall physical health.

Among those surveyed, certain groups exhibited a higher vulnerability to these impacts.

Three in ten women reported that their mental health had been negatively affected by the high food prices.

Moreover, a third of respondents aged 35-54, most likely to be parents with young families, were negatively affected, compared to 27% in the 18-35 age bracket and 18% aged over 55.

The unsettling findings come amidst growing concern that the cost of the weekly grocery haul is set to outpace energy bills as the primary worry for UK households.

This coincides with a looming parliamentary inquiry into allegations of supermarket profiteering during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The survey also found that rising food prices are compromising the nutritional intake of UK citizens. About 23% of respondents stated that they have been unable to maintain a healthy diet due to increasing costs.

A disturbing 22% have lost sleep worrying over food costs, and another one in five reported a decline in their physical health.

The concern escalates with food inflation remaining obstinately high, posing a real threat to consumers’ mental and physical health.

Which? recently reported that prices for everyday family meals have spiked up to 27% in the last 12 months.

Against this backdrop, Which? is urging for an immediate action plan to alleviate the financial strain on consumers. They call on supermarkets to commit to clearer unit pricing, especially on promotional and loyalty card offers. Which? also argues for ensuring essential budget lines are stocked in smaller convenience stores to support a healthier diet in the most vulnerable areas.

In a direct appeal, Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food Policy, stated, “Now is the time to act. The government must urgently get supermarkets to commit to stocking essential budget ranges in all their stores… as well as make pricing much clearer so shoppers can compare prices and find the best value products.”

With MPs set to question supermarket bosses, the government has a golden opportunity to act decisively in combating this escalating cost of living crisis, making a real difference to the millions of people struggling to put food on their table.