Basic foodstuffs up in price by 59 per cent

The price of staples such as bread and eggs increased by 18 per cent and tea is up 30 per cent, said price comparison website mySupermarket.co.uk.

The cost of rice has increased by 59 per cent since 2007.

The overall price of meat was up by 10 per cent but there were variations; the cost of bacon increased by nine per cent but the price of chicken and turkey fell by six per cent. Fish lovers did better, with the price of fresh varieties down eight per cent.

Parents were hit hard as the price of food and products for babies soared. The figures show the price of items like wipes, creams and bath wash are up 38 per cent, baby food and snacks rose by 21 per cent and baby milk and drinks are up 29 per cent.

Pets are an increasingly expensive drain on the bank account, with cat food up 13 per cent and dog food by 20 per cent.

MySupermarket spokesman Jonny Steel said: "The cost of everyday essentials has still dramatically increased over the last three years.

"Consumers may feel that they are starting to bounce back from the effects of the most recent recession, but effectively they are forking out up to 59 per cent more for some shopping items than they were three years ago."