UK families slash meat intake and seek energy savings as food and utility costs rise

A survey of 3,291 UK adults found that around one‑quarter of shoppers have either reduced meat consumption or become vegetarian because grocery bills have risen sharply, with weekly food spending now about £94 – roughly £24 more than a year ago. Nearly one‑fifth of respondents say they are skipping meals or eating less, and 40% report daily mental exhaustion from financial worries. Women and lower‑income households are disproportionately affected, and many parents report cutting back on their own food intake.

Separate research by comparison site Uswitch estimates that households could save more than £70 over the summer by making simple changes such as line‑drying laundry, taking cold showers, opening windows instead of using dehumidifiers, and choosing cold drinks over hot ones. Additional tips like swapping oven meals for salads, using daylight instead of indoor lighting, and charging phones with solar chargers add modest savings. Uswitch also warns that outdoor devices like hot tubs can quickly erase these gains, and suggests that fixing a cheaper energy tariff now could save around £250 over the year.