Fish and chips, Britain’s most popular dish, has seen a significant rise in price over the past five years due to cost-of-living price inflation. Data from the Office of National Statistics shows that the average price for a portion of fish and chips has increased by over 50%, making it less of a reliable cheap eat. The rise in prices can be attributed to increases in fish, potato, and oil prices. Fish prices have risen due to a 35% import tariff on Russian seafood, while potato prices have increased because of small crop yields in Europe and higher paid UK farmers. The energy required to fry the fish and chips has also seen a significant increase over the past five years, with a 54% rise in the price cap for energy in 2022 by Ofgem. Despite these rising costs, fish and chips remain a beloved British dish and an international icon of the country’s food culture.
Introduced to the UK by Spanish and Portuguese Jews in the 19th century, fish and chips became increasingly popular in the 20th century and was one of the few foods not subject to rationing during the Second World War. However, the dish has been subject to steep rises in costs before it can reach British plates. Despite its popularity, fish and chips is not necessarily the most popular dish that Brits enjoy. In 2011, a survey found that the most popular British dish was chicken tikka masala, which was invented in Glasgow by Ali Ahmed Aslam. Italian food is the most popular foreign cuisine to Brits, followed by Chinese and Indian. While 87% of Brits said they liked Italian food, 91% still said they enjoyed British food, including dishes like fish and chips.
Fish and chips has seen the steepest rise in prices of all popular takeaways in the UK, with an average price of £9.88 per portion in July 2019, up from £6.48 five years prior. This represents an increase of 52%, compared to other takeaway options such as kebabs, chicken and chips, pizza, Indian, and Chinese. A recent YouGov poll found that fish and chips is the second-most popular dish in the UK, only behind chips on their own. The dish continues to hold a special place in British food culture, despite the rising costs associated with it. Fish and chips are commonly enjoyed by Brits as a traditional meal that has been passed down through generations.
In 2022, Ofgem, the national energy regulator, increased the price cap for energy by 54%, further contributing to the rise in prices for fish and chips. The increased energy costs for frying the dish, along with rising fish and potato prices, have made fish and chips less affordable for many British households. However, the dish remains a favorite among Brits, with 91% of respondents in a recent survey stating that they still enjoy British food, including fish and chips. This year, the world’s oldest man, British 111-year-old John Alfred Tinniswood, attributed his longevity to “luck, moderation, and regular portions of fish and chips”, highlighting the cultural significance of the dish in British society.
Overall, the rise in prices for fish and chips over the past five years has made the dish less of a cheap eat and more of a luxury for many Brits. Factors such as increased fish, potato, and oil prices, as well as higher energy costs, have contributed to the steep increase in prices. Despite this, fish and chips remain a beloved dish in the UK, holding a special place in British food culture. While other takeaway options may have seen price increases as well, fish and chips continue to be a popular choice among Brits, showcasing the enduring appeal of this iconic dish.
