How much do groceries and eating out cost in the United Kingdom in 2026?

One adult cooking most meals can plan £45–80 per week. A couple can use £85–140, while a family of four can start around £120–210.

The lower end assumes meal planning, supermarket own brands, limited alcohol, and little food waste. Imported products, special diets, convenience food, premium meat, delivery fees, and frequent small shops move the total upward.

Aldi and Lidl compete at the budget end. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Co-op vary by store format and promotions. Waitrose and Marks & Spencer tend to cost more for a full basket.

A supermarket or high-street lunch deal can keep a weekday lunch near the low end. A casual café or fast meal often costs £12–20.

A pub main with a drink can reach £18–30. A fuller restaurant evening commonly runs £35–70 per person before expensive wine, while central London, Edinburgh festival periods, and tourist areas can cost more.

Check whether a discretionary service charge has been added. It is presented as optional, but ask for adjustment before paying if service did not justify it. A card terminal may also request a separate tip.

Delivery apps add menu markups, service fees, delivery charges, and small-order fees. A cheap takeaway can become a restaurant-priced meal.

Compare unit prices rather than package prices. Loyalty-card discounts may require registration, and the normal shelf price can be much higher without the card.

Use large supermarkets for a weekly shop and local markets for produce only when the quality and price work. Convenience branches near stations often have fewer budget options.

School lunches, workplace cafeterias, alcohol, coffee, and top-up shopping deserve separate lines because they disappear inside a broad grocery estimate.