Grocery price inflation increased for the sixth consecutive month in July, with retailers blaming rising wholesale prices for meat, tea and other household staples.
Total shop price inflation in July was up 0.7% compared to this time last year, as non-food prices continued to run lower than a year ago.
Total price growth increased from 0.4% in June and a three-month average of 0.3%, according to the monthly shop price monitor (previously index) from the British Retail Consortium and NielsenIQ.
Food inflation spiked up to 4.0% in July, from 3.7% in June, 2.8% in May, 2.6% in April and 2.4% in March.
The BRC said meat and tea saw notable wholesale price increases as both were "hit by tighter global supplies", with fresh food prices up 3.2% and ambient foods at 5.1%.
Non-food deflation lessened to -1.0% in July from -1.2% in June and a three-month average of -1.2%, as promotional discounts were offered by fashion and furniture chains.
"Consumers’ household budgets are coming under pressure with the food retailers now seeing price increases above CPI," said Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NIQ.
He added: "With inflation on the up, high street retailers will also be concerned about customer retention over the summer holiday season if they are to maintain sales momentum."