Heatwave fuels 20% jump in ready‑made dips, olives and quiches as UK shoppers turn to chilled snacks

Worldpanel, the market‑research arm of Numerator, reports that UK purchases of ready‑made dips, olives and quiches rose by more than 20 % between early July and early August. The same research found that 13 % of evening meals now start after 8 p.m., a shift linked to hotter evenings and later dinner times.

Changing consumer habits

Consumers are increasingly opting for ready‑to‑eat snacks instead of cooking, a trend that analysts say will continue as heatwaves persist. Sally Ball, Worldpanel’s business unit director, said: "The continued heat across the UK has certainly impacted the way people are eating and drinking."

Supermarket chains have responded to the demand. Aldi re‑introduced its loaded dips range, adding new flavours such as chicken Caesar and Indian yoghurt. Tesco launched a major update to its Finest deli product line, while the Co‑op reported an 18 % increase in chilled prepared‑food sales, with quiche sales up 35 % after a three‑for‑two promotion.

Market activity and pricing

Worldpanel counted 497 million supermarket visits in July, the highest monthly total since March 2020. Yet the average basket value fell to £410 in the four‑week period ending 9 August, £14 less than the previous month. Take‑home grocery sales growth slowed to 2.5 % in August from 3.3 % in July, and grocery price inflation fell to 2.1 % in August – the lowest rate since October 2024. Roughly one‑third of all grocery transactions included a discount.

Higher energy costs linked to the Iran conflict could limit further price growth, analysts warn. The report also points to additional coverage on UK economic performance versus forecasts and the impact of war and tax concerns.