UK shoppers buy more fruit and yoghurt in healthy start to 2026

Worldpanel by Numerator found annual grocery inflation eased to 4% in the four weeks to 25 January, and shoppers increased purchases of fresh fruit, yoghurt and other healthy staples while own-label products took a record share of spending.

Britons began 2026 by buying more fruit, yoghurt and other healthy foods as many aimed for new-year health goals. Research from Worldpanel by Numerator shows annual grocery inflation eased to 4% in the four weeks to 25 January, down from 4.7% in December. Shoppers also increased purchases of own-label products after record December grocery spending. Retailers reported mixed sales results across chains. Key facts: - Annual grocery inflation fell to 4% in the four weeks to 25 January, down from 4.7% in December. - Sales volumes rose year on year for fresh fruit and dried pulses (+6%), fresh fish (+5%), poultry (+3%) and chilled yoghurt (+4%); cottage cheese sales jumped 50% and reached 2.8 million households, 600,000 more than last year. - Nearly a quarter of shoppers sought high-protein foods and more than a quarter sought high-fibre products. - Own-label products accounted for 52.2% of grocery spending, the highest share recorded to date. - Spending on promotions grew 10.9% year on year, while full-price sales rose 1.7% over the same period. - Lidl was the fastest-growing physical chain with sales up 10.1% over 12 weeks to 25 January; Ocado's sales rose 14.1% and its market share increased to 2.1%; Asda and the Co-op recorded sales declines of 3.7% and 1.6% respectively. Summary: The snapshot points to shoppers prioritising familiar, nutrient-rich staples and more budget-conscious own-label choices, alongside a modest easing in grocery inflation. These shifts have supported take-home sales growth and altered retailer market shares. Undetermined at this time.