Supermarkets put up family food bill £750

Families are paying up to £750 more on their annual food bill than a year ago because of supermarket price increases.

Despite claims by chains such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's that they continually lower their prices, figures reveal that they are charging an average 12 per cent more for 25 different goods this year.

The price comparison website mysupermarket.co.uk found that Tesco increased its prices by 16 per cent in the past year. A kilo of peas at Tesco has gone up from £1.19 to £1.79, while at Sainsbury's, a dozen eggs went up by 73p to £2.35.

The average family spends £90 a week on food - meaning a 16 per cent increase would equal an annual rise of £749.

The research came as government statistics showed staples such as butter, flour, pork and milk, soared in price last month.

The Office of National Statistics said butter increased by 18 per cent, while milk went up by 12 per cent.

Economists have warned that food inflation is set to continue.