Total till sales at UK major supermarkets increased (+1.8%) in the four weeks ending 5 September 2026, according to data from NielsenIQ (NIQ). This marked a slowdown from the average +3.2% growth over the 12 weeks ending 8 Aug, as cooler weather and back-to-school routines brought a reset in shopping behaviour following one of the hottest summers on record.
Shoppers had less need for instant cooling refreshments and unit sales declined (-0.1%) during the period, the first time they have fallen since the four weeks ending 18 Apr 2026. Across all supermarkets and convenience stores, sales increased (+2.0%), with the strongest growth recorded over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Sales increased +3.1% in the week ending 29 Aug and peaked at £4.25bn1.
There was also a shift in purchasing points. Sales at larger supermarkets increased (+2.4%), while growth across convenience stores slowed (+0.3%), with a return to more planned shopping trips1. And although ice cream sales remained ahead of last year (+8.1%), they fell (-22.6%) compared with the previous four weeks, as temperatures cooled. Other summer favourites also recorded sharp declines compared to the prior month, including olives (-16.4%), fresh dips (-10.4%) and fresh fruit (-6.9%)1.
However, traditional comfort food did recover. Ambient grocery increased (+2.9%) in value versus a year ago, while unit growth returned to positive territory (+0.7%) after declining during the summer. This led to a significant growth in store-cupboard staples. Sales of canned beans, excluding baked beans, increased (+10.1%) in the latest four weeks, driven by butter beans, where value sales surged (+31.5%). Butter beans alone accounted for 58% of the value growth across the canned beans category1.
The fading impact of the summer and World Cup was evident across alcohol, with total value sales falling -0.4% compared with last year. Lager declined (-2.0%), alongside cider (-1.6%) and stout (-1.2%). However, pre-mixed alcoholic drinks recorded strong value growth (+24.7%). Soft drinks remained a standout, with spend of £1.1bn and sales increasing +10.2% compared with last year. The category accounted for 32% of total store value growth during the period1.
Moving into autumn, health is an important consideration. Previous NIQ data shows that 12% of UK households now have a GLP-1 user, with the influence on eating habits extending beyond the individual using the medication2.
This reflects a wider focus on healthier choices, with 45% of surveyed shoppers eating more food from scratch, 37% eating more natural snacks, 31% checking food labels and avoiding specific additives, and 11% buying more organic products3.
Impulse products such as crisps, chocolate and soft drinks that state they are ‘all natural’ or made with ‘all natural ingredients’ grew (+9.4%) in the last four weeks, significantly ahead of the +5.4% growth recorded across the total impulse category. A similar trend can be seen in fresh food, where products labelled ‘organic’ grew +4.7%, compared with +1.9% for the overall fresh food category4.
Over the latest reported 12 weeks, Ocado (+17.4%) and M&S (+10.8%) continued to lead grocery growth. M&S is driving larger baskets by targeting family shoppers, revitalising older stores with ‘destination’ food halls and expanding value-led ranges such as ‘Remarksable Value’ and ‘Bigger Pack, Better Value’. The strategy is paying off, with average basket value reaching £16.295 in the latest four weeks, up 9.1% year on year. Lidl also maintained strong sales momentum (+7.7%), followed by Waitrose (+2.6%).
Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NielsenIQ, said: “Following one of the hottest summers on record, which encouraged consumers to spend more freely, September is likely to mark a return to tighter household budgeting. Currently, one in three households cite the cost of living as their biggest concern, while almost three-quarters expect to be moderately or severely impacted by financial pressures as we move into the autumn and winter months.”
(1) NIQ total coverage.
(2) NIQ Homescan Survey Jun 26.
(3) NIQ H’scan Surv Jul 26.
(4) NIQ Scantrack Prod Insights w/e 5/9/26
(5) NIQ H’scan w/e 5/9/26
NIQ S’track eCommerce Defined Multiples w/e 5/9/26.