UK shoppers buy more fruit and yoghurt as 2026 begins

Research from Worldpanel by Numerator shows Britons increased purchases of fruit, yoghurt and other nutrient-rich foods as annual grocery inflation eased to 4% in the four weeks to 25 January.

Britons began 2026 by buying more healthy foods such as fruit and yoghurt, according to a monthly snapshot of the grocery sector from Worldpanel by Numerator. The report also found annual grocery inflation fell to 4% in the four weeks to 25 January, down from 4.7% in December. Shoppers showed demand for familiar, nutrient-rich staples as many sought to reset household budgets after holiday spending. Key figures: - Annual grocery inflation fell to 4% in the four weeks to 25 January, down from 4.7% in December. - Sales volumes of fresh fruit and dried pulses rose 6% year on year. - Fresh fish sales increased by 5%, poultry by 3%, and chilled yoghurt by 4% year on year. - Cottage cheese sales jumped 50%, with 2.8 million households buying it, 600,000 more than last year. - Own-label products accounted for 52.2% of grocery spending, the highest share recorded to date. - Spending on functional drinks was up 13% year on year, and such drinks were bought by 11% of households. Summary: Shoppers shifted toward foods described as high in protein and fibre and also increased purchases of lower-cost own-label items, while grocery inflation eased, providing some relief to household budgets. Undetermined at this time.