Lamb costs soar in UK in last 3 years due to climate change
New analysis reveals that climate change has added ยฃ168 to the lamb bill of households that eat lamb regularly over the past three years.
The analysis, carried out by Zero Carbon Analytics for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), links extreme weather eventsโincluding droughts, heatwaves and heavy rainfallโto rising prices.
Lamb costs soar in UK in last 3 years due to climate change
Chris Jaccarini, land, food, and farming analyst at the ECIU, said: “As families and communities sit down to celebrate this Easter, the cost of climate change is hitting home.
“Lamb prices are through the roof after droughts, extreme heat and heavy rainfall have hit farmersโ costs of production, weakening grass growth and not allowing the depleted hay stores they depend on time to recover.”
The report found that since 2022, a series of weather “shocks” in the UK have pushed up the price of a typical 2kg leg of lamb by between 7 per cent and 21 per cent each time.
These increases were linked to disrupted grass growth and depleted fodder reserves, both key factors in lamb production.
The climate impacts have also affected other products, with beef and dairy prices rising in response to similar weather-related challenges.
Mr Jaccarini said: “As the current oil price shock threatens to bring yet another round of food price inflation, without faster progress towards net zero to bring balance back to our climate, as well as more investment in the resilience of our farmers, the affordability of food is worryingly exposed to these worsening shocks.”
The analysis used Met Office data and figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
It found that the 2022 drought drove lamb prices up by 11 per cent, the wet winter of 2023/24 by 25 per cent, and the more recent drought conditions by 13 per cent.
Each of these events directly affected grass growth, the report said.
Farmgate prices in 2024 led to a ยฃ5 (17.5 per cent) increase in the cost of a lamb roast at Easter, rising to ยฃ7 (21 per cent) by the following year.
Sheep farmers are feeling the impact firsthand.
Jack Cockburn, a sheep farmer from Ceredigion in Wales, said: “Here in West Wales, extreme weather is our biggest challenge.
“Weโve had two very wet winters in a row, which has meant poor grass growth due to waterlogged soils and low light levels with the very cloudy conditions.
“This has meant lambs going to the abattoir at lighter weights and less meat per animal.”
Best Easter Egg deals in UK supermarkets
Lamb is not the only product to see price hikes, with the cost of Easter eggs also rising.
Prices have gone up by two-thirds in three years due to poor cocoa harvests caused by heavy rain, drought, and heatwaves in West Africa.
Recent grocery inflation data from Worldpanel by Numerator confirmed that the average price of an Easter egg is now nine per cent higher than last year, at ยฃ3.27.
Savings experts have analysed Easter egg prices across major supermarkets and revealed which brands have shrunk the most โ and where shoppers can still get the best value in 2026.
Experts say rising cocoa costs are partly responsible, but shoppers can still find good deals if they compare prices carefully.
Research by VoucherCodes.co.uk compared prices at supermarkets including Asda, Tesco, Aldi and Marks & Spencer.
The analysis revealed several standout deals across UK supermarkets.
Top picks include:
- Cheapest branded eggs: Asda, starting at ยฃ1.40
- Best budget luxury egg: Aldi Choceur Jammy Wheel Biscuit Egg
- Best multibuy deals: Asda 2-for-ยฃ8.98 offers
Best loyalty discounts: Tesco Clubcard and Morrisons More
- Viral premium eggs: Marks & Spencer
- Cheapest Cadbury Mini Eggs: B&M
According to the research, Asda currently offers the cheapest branded Easter eggs, with popular options around ยฃ1.40 for 100g.
For shoppers wanting something a little more indulgent without spending too much, Aldi came out strongly.
Shoppers using supermarket loyalty schemes can also unlock better prices.
Both Tesco Clubcard and Morrisons More offer discounts on mid-range branded eggs.
For fans of Cadbury Mini Eggs, the research found B&M currently offers the best value.
Its 256g bag priced at ยฃ4.89 works out cheaper per gram than smaller packs or equivalent sizes in supermarkets.
What is your favourite thing to eat at Easter? Let us know in the comments.