The price of food bought by poorer people during the cost of living crisis rose more quickly than it did for those with higher incomes, according to new research.

Goods disproportionately consumed by people on lower incomes became more expensive faster than costlier kinds of food, thinktank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said.

Money blog: Wizz Air launches unlimited flights subscription

While overall food inflation was 15.8%, it was far higher (at 36.2%) for the cheapest 10% of all food ranges, such as inexpensive pasta and butter.

The result was that the cost of living crisis caused by inflation was worse for the lowest earners. Higher inflation experienced by those low earners equated to an extra £100 a year, the IFS said.

People who earn less spend a greater proportion of their incomes on food, the body said.

‘Unprecedented’

July inflation data signals return to normal fluctuation and maintains hope for interest rate cuts

UK CPI inflation reaches 2.2% – the first growth in more than six months

Grocery inflation rises for first time since March 2023 – as £10m spent on Euros final beer

Rising food inflation meant poor people spent more of their money on food, meaning they experienced an overall higher rate of their inflation.

Such a gulf is unprecedented, the thinktank added.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

High energy costs after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine accelerated already elevated costs after supply chain problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed food inflation peaked at 17.8% in April 2023. But many foods increased in price by far more over the last three years – including during the 2021-23 cost of living crisis period.

Read more: Spending calculator – see which prices have gone up or down

The period of time looked at by the IFS was September 2021 to September 2023.

The IFS findings are not evident in the ONS data, the body that compiles and circulates official statistics.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

A spokesperson for the ONS said: “Our previous analysis indicated that the prices of the cheapest items changed in line with average prices.

“However, from March next year we will be calculating our grocery prices using supermarket scanner data, which will show us both the price and quantity of every item sold, ensuring all items are taken account of, marking a step change in our understanding of inflation.”

Related posts:

Homewares marketplace Fy! to name new finance chief Morrisons shares surge 30% after it spurns £5.5bn takeover offer Lockdown hit to theatres, Morrisons takeover approach and fitness mirrors UK considers import taxes to combat ‘carbon leakage’ but wants global deal Heathrow passengers could see airport charge rise by 50% next year Mining giant Rio Tinto reveals second largest payout in FTSE 100 history Oil smashes through $100 barrier in safe haven rush as Putin pulls trigger on Ukraine Qantas executives asked to work as baggage handlers to alleviate chaos Mortgages, interest rates and women in business Inflation, a Shell deal and EE branches out Barbie’s boost to UK economy revealed Manchester City sue Premier League