Chicken Prices Push Up Meat Inflation
Chicken led the rise in UK meat and poultry costs this August, with shoppers feeling the squeeze.
In the UK, chicken is now the main driver of meat inflation. According to the latest AIMS tracker, diced chicken breast jumped almost 5% in August, while drumsticks and thigh fillets also went up.
Rising costs for feed, staff, and energy are adding pressure to poultry producers, making chicken more expensive across the supply chain.
Beef and lamb saw mixed changes—roasting joints fell as supermarkets cut prices, but overall beef is still up more than 30% over the year. Pork has become a popular alternative, with prices holding lower at around £6.50/kg compared to beef and lamb cuts at over £15/kg.
Over the past 12 months, meat and poultry inflation in the UK has hit 15.6%. Despite the rises, chicken remains the most affordable and versatile option for many households, making it the “go-to” choice during the cost-of-living crisis.