Unfavourable weather patterns are driving up expenses for a classic Easter dish across British shops, research indicates.
Figures reveal climate-related issues have pushed household lamb expenditure by £168 over the last three years for those who purchase it regularly.
The investigation, carried out by Zero Carbon Analytics for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, links extreme weather events including extended dry spells, heatwaves and heavy rainfall to mounting prices.
Lamb prices climb in UK over recent years due to environmental factors
Chris Jaccarino, land, food and farming analyst at the ECIU, explained that as families come together for Easter festivities, climate change is having a tangible financial effect.
Lamb prices have risen substantially after droughts, intense heat and heavy rain have pushed up production costs for farmers, harming grass growth and preventing stocks of vital hay from replenishing.
The study shows that since 2022, numerous weather disruptions affecting the UK have caused the price of a standard 2kg leg of lamb to rise by between 7 and 21 percent during each occurrence.
These price increases stemmed from disturbed plant development and exhausted feed stores, both crucial elements in lamb farming.
The environmental impact has also affected other sectors, with beef and dairy seeing price rises because of comparable weather-related challenges.
Mr Jaccarino continued that with the present energy price crisis threatening further food cost increases, and without faster progress towards net zero to stabilise the climate, alongside improved assistance for farmers’ ability to cope, food costs remain susceptible to these worsening disruptions.
The research drew on information from the Met Office and figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
It showed that the 2022 drought led to lamb prices climbing 11 percent, the damp winter of 2023/24 added 25 percent, and more recent arid conditions contributed 13 percent.
The increase in lamb costs has been put down to climate factors (Image: Getty Images)
Each event had direct effects on pasture growth, the report observed.
Farmgate prices in 2024 produced a £5 (17.5 percent) increase in the price of a lamb roast for Easter, rising to £7 (21 percent) the following year.
Those farming sheep are feeling these consequences directly.
Jack Cockburn, a sheep farmer from Ceredigion in Wales, said that in West Wales, extreme weather conditions are their biggest challenge.
They have endured two successive extremely wet winters, resulting in poor grass growth because of waterlogged ground and reduced sunlight during overcast weather.
This has meant lambs going to market having lighter weights and less meat produced per animal.
Best Easter Egg deals in UK supermarkets
Lamb is not the only product with higher costs, as Easter eggs have also become pricier.
Prices have risen by roughly 67 percent over three years because of reduced cocoa harvests caused by heavy rainfall, drought and extreme heat in West Africa.
Recent grocery inflation data from Worldpanel by Numerator showed that the average Easter egg price now stands at nine percent higher than the previous year, at £3.27.
Savings experts have examined Easter egg pricing at major retailers and identified which products have shrunk most in size – and where shoppers can still find the best value.
Experts say climbing cocoa costs are partly responsible, though careful comparison shopping can help consumers locate affordable options.
Research by VoucherCodes.co.uk examined pricing at retailers including Asda, Tesco, Aldi and Marks and Spencer.
The analysis highlighted several noteworthy deals across UK supermarkets.
Top selections include:
Most affordable branded eggs: Asda, starting from £1.40
Top budget premium egg: Aldi Choceur Jammy Wheel Biscuit Egg
Best multiple purchase offers: Asda 2-for-£8.98 deals
Best loyalty programme savings: Tesco Clubcard and Morrisons More
Popular premium eggs: Marks and Spencer
Most affordable Cadbury Mini Eggs: B and M
According to the research, Asda currently offers the lowest-priced branded Easter eggs, with popular options around £1.40 for 100g.
For shoppers looking for something slightly more luxurious without high expenditure, Aldi performed well.
Those using supermarket loyalty schemes can also access discounted prices.
Both Tesco Clubcard and Morrisons More provide savings on mid-range branded eggs.
For fans of Cadbury Mini Eggs, the research showed B and M currently offers the best value.
Their 256g bag priced at £4.89 works out cheaper per gram than smaller packages or equivalent sizes at other retailers.
What is your favourite thing to eat at Easter? Let us know in the comments.