Hunger boosts supermarket profits

Hungry shoppers spend up to pounds 20 more on a trawl round the supermarket than those who eat before setting off, according to a report published today.

Shoppers picking up food for their next meal are up to 10 times more likely to indulge in extravagant nibbles, dips and biscuits.

The survey, by Somerfield, found peckish shoppers doing a full weekly stock-up slipped more cakes and desserts into their trolleys while those nipping in for a single meal veered towards crisps and chocolate.