The Victorian era comprised the period of Queen Victoria's reign of the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901. It was a time of industrial revolution and political reform though many kitchens were stocked with common items of today. Some food staples are actually cheaper today than they were in the Victorian era probably due to the industrialization of the system.
Have you ever wondered, “how much was a pound of butter in the Victorian era?” How about the price of cheese? Prices in this list are noted by £ for pound, s for shilling, and d for pence.
This list will break down Victorian era food prices by listing the average price back then, the Victorian era price factoring in inflation – using MeasuringWorth.com's inflation calculator – and today's cost for the same items.
Vote up the grocery store items that you think have the best 2020 value and vote down any food that you think is currently priced too high.
1
54282Bread
FoodVictorian Era: 6s per week
Victorian Era Adjusted For Inflation: £31.51
2020: $1.37 for one loaf of bread or £1.10
2
29590Fish
AnimalVictorian Era: 14s per week
Victorian Era Adjusted For Inflation: £73.53
2020: $26.23 per week (seven 4 oz servings) or £21.06
3
21070Fruit and Vegetables
Victorian Era: 3s per week
Victorian Era Adjusted For Inflation: £15.76
2020: $9.70 per week or £7.79
4
21172Butter
Victorian Era: 1s/lb
Victorian Era Adjusted For Inflation: £5.25
2020: $3.54/lb or £2.83
5
14770Tea
6
155111Cheese
FoodVictorian Era: 4 1/2d/lb
Victorian Era Adjusted For Inflation: £2.00
2020: $5.32/lb (cheddar) or £4.26
7
12788Sugar
FoodVictorian Era: less than 1d/lb
Victorian Era Adjusted For Inflation: £0.42
2020: $0.59/lb or £0.47
8
102107Butchers Meat
Victorian Era: 7d/lb
Victorian Era Adjusted For Inflation: £3.05
2020: $3.75/lb (ground beef) or £3.00
9
97154Beer
BeverageVictorian Era: less than 0.5d/gallon
Victorian Era Adjusted For Inflation: £0.21
2020: $14.99 for 8, 15oz cans of Guinness or £12.01
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