A new price comparison study has revealed that grocery costs in Ireland have increased by 36% since 2021, adding significant strain to household budgets as families struggle to keep up with rising living costs.
The findings, based on a shopping experiment by journalist Cian McCormack, showed that a basket of common grocery items that cost €53.70 in 2021 now costs €71.73—an increase of €18.03.
Experts cite multiple reasons for the sharp increase in food costs, including:
Retail expert Damian O’Reilly from TU Dublin warned that grocery prices will remain high and that Irish consumers should not expect costs to drop.
While inflation has stabilized, prices remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
With grocery bills skyrocketing, many Irish households are struggling to afford food:
She also warned that with 440,000 households already in energy bill arrears, families will be pushed further into financial distress.
Despite the public outcry, Retail Ireland, which represents supermarkets, insists that:
With prices unlikely to fall, Irish households will continue to feel the squeeze as the cost of living crisis drags on.
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The findings, based on a shopping experiment by journalist Cian McCormack, showed that a basket of common grocery items that cost €53.70 in 2021 now costs €71.73—an increase of €18.03.
Key Findings: The Biggest Grocery Price Increases
- Red pepper: +128% (€0.39 → €0.89)
- Butter (454g): +70% (€2.19 → €3.79)
- Milk (2L): +64% (€1.49 → €2.45)
- Potatoes (2kg Roosters): +52% (€2.49 → €3.79)
- Salmon (4 pieces): +50% (€5.00 → €7.49)
- Cauliflower: +40% (€1.29 → €1.79)
- Chicken (medium-sized): +19% (€4.19 → €4.99)
- Sliced pan (convenience store): +42% (€2.40 → €3.40)
- Eggs (6 free-range): +12% (€1.99 → €2.25)
Sunday Dinner Costs Up 32%
A simple Sunday dinner for four, consisting of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower, has increased from €8.46 in 2021 to €11.16 today—a 32% rise.Why Have Grocery Prices Risen So Much?
Experts cite multiple reasons for the sharp increase in food costs, including:
- Global supply chain disruptions (COVID-19 aftermath)
- Labour and energy cost increases
- War in Ukraine, impacting wheat and grain prices
- Inflation shocks from 2021-2022, which have not reversed
Retail Experts: Prices Are Not Coming Down
Retail expert Damian O’Reilly from TU Dublin warned that grocery prices will remain high and that Irish consumers should not expect costs to drop.
While inflation has stabilized, prices remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Families Struggling to Put Food on the Table
With grocery bills skyrocketing, many Irish households are struggling to afford food:
- A mother of two young children admitted she skips meals to ensure her children are fed.
- A retired woman said her pension increases do not keep up with inflation.
- Saint Vincent de Paul reports a surge in families seeking food vouchers, as food becomes too expensive.
She also warned that with 440,000 households already in energy bill arrears, families will be pushed further into financial distress.
Retail Ireland: Prices Rising Below EU Average
Despite the public outcry, Retail Ireland, which represents supermarkets, insists that:
- Irish grocery inflation (+36%) is lower than the EU average (+33%).
- The Irish grocery market has not engaged in excessive pricing.
- Supermarkets have expanded "own-brand" product ranges to provide cheaper alternatives.
What’s Next?
- No government energy credits planned, despite rising utility costs.
- Food price stabilization, but no significant drops expected.
- Calls for further government intervention to protect low-income families from food insecurity.
With prices unlikely to fall, Irish households will continue to feel the squeeze as the cost of living crisis drags on.
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