The journal

Stories from the larder.

Industry news in plain English, buyer’s guides for everyday shopping, long reads from the people behind the food, and pairings worth getting up early for.

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The real cost of food in 2026 — what’s up, what’s down, and how local stalls compare with the big four.

Food prices · 27 Jul 2026

Why buying direct from local producers often costs less than you think

The idea that farm-gate food is a luxury doesn’t survive contact with a calculator. Where direct really is dearer, where it’s cheaper, and how to make the comparison fairly.

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Food prices · 6 May 2026

The real cost of supermarket bread

A £1.50 supermarket sliced loaf is 18% cheaper than two years ago. A £4 artisan sourdough is 12% more expensive. The headline is wrong — and the per-meal maths is closer than you’d think.

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