COST OF A CHIPPY TEA SOARS AS ENERGY BILLS BATTER BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE TAKEAWAY

Cost of a chippy tea soars as energy bills batter Britain’s favourite takeaway. 

• BusinessComparison analysis reveals chip shop staples have seen huge price rises across the board over the past decade
• Cost of fish and chips increases by 111% to almost £10, while sausage and chips is up by 120% to around £6.60
• Energy consumption analysis shows fish and chip shops are spending around £17,000 a year on energy
• Britain’s chippy staples have more than doubled in price over the past decade, new figures have revealed – with soaring energy bills driving the surge.

Analysis of data obtained by BusinessComparison shows the average cost of sausage and chips has increased by around 120% since 2014, while scampi and chips and other menu favourites have also seen sharp hikes.

Cod and chips – the nation’s favourite order – has more than doubled in price, jumping from around £4.50 in 2014 to over £9.50 in 2025.

With fryers, freezers and lighting among the highest overheads, Philip Brennan, MD of BusinessComparison said fish and chip shops are among the businesses hit hardest by soaring energy bills – and customers are seeing the impact on every item of the menu.

BusinessComparison’s own energy consumption analysis, which assesses appliance energy costs and usage, shows fish and chip shops could be spending around £17,000 a year on energy costs alone. That comes as insolvency rates in the hospitality sector remain at historic highs.

Separate research by equipment supplier KFE has also highlighted the uneven impact across the UK, with the latest data suggesting a ‘regular’ fish and chips costing as little as £6.70 in West Yorkshire compared with £22.50 in London.

Philip Brennan said: “Fish and chips are more than just a meal – they’re part of our national identity.

“But behind every portion lies spiralling costs, driven particularly by energy bills, which are pushing prices higher and making it harder for small operators to survive.

“Our message to business owners is clear: don’t accept inflated bills. Switching providers can be a simple, practical step to cut costs at a time when every saving matters.”

The research adds to growing evidence that energy remains one of the biggest challenges for hospitality operators, with a recent study revealing 77% of businesses have increased their prices because of it.

While prices vary widely across regions and portion sizes, the overall trajectory is clear: the £10 chippy tea is here to stay.

Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) supported the findings but encouraged people to continue supporting their local chippy.

He said:

“Whilst we have seen increases in the sale price of fish and chips, with energy costs playing a big part, it still represents great value for money compared with other food on the go options.

“Our members work hard to offer a range of portion size and alternative species to give consumers more options to suit every pocket.”

BusinessComparison, which provides free comparison tools to help SMEs cut costs and reduce overheads, is now urging small businesses to review their energy contracts to ensure they are not paying over the odds – and potentially consider switching providers.

The firm has launched a new calculator to help SMEs understand what they’re spending – and where they could be saving.

Philip Brennan added: “Energy bills shouldn’t be the difference between survival and closure for small businesses. There are good deals available for those who take the time to look.

“By taking control of their contracts and shopping around, operators can ease the pressure and focus on what they do best – serving great food and keeping a Great British tradition alive.”

Image credit: Seafish