Tesco has hiked the price of a tin of Heinz tomato soup by 79 per cent - up from 95p to £1.70.
After a steady increase in price during the cost of living crisis, the latest jump saw an increase of 21 per cent - nearly doubling the price.
It comes amid a crippling cost of living crisis as shoppers struggle to make their cash go far enough to feed their families.
Last week, Tesco also announced it will be price-locking thousands of products until Easter of this year, in order to support customers with the cost of living.
The announcement comes as UK food prices are reported to have soared to a record rate in December.
The big four supermarket chain said the price lock would be not only on popular branded products such as Heinz, McCains, and Birds Eye, but on its own brand staples too.
The price lock will not only cover Tesco’s fresh, frozen, and cupboard items, but it will also expand to health and beauty products as well as pet food and household products such as detergent.
Jason Tarry, chief executive of Tesco said: “As we start the New Year, we know times are tough for many of our customers right now.
“We hope this extended price lock commitment gives our customers the certainty of knowing that over a thousand household favourites and own brand essentials will stay at the same low price for months to come – helping them budget when they need it most.”
Tesco previously announced other price locks for its products, with the most recent being in October last year, which lasted until the start of 2023.
Industry experts have now accused Tesco of double standards, with one source saying: "To raise prices after shouting about holding Heinz to account stinks of double standards."
"With money tight for so many right now what customers really value is consistency and transparency."
