M&S has explained why it has increased the price of a common shopping item. A customer contacted the shop chain over social media this week as they noticed the price of milk had gone up from £1.45 to £1.60.

M&S said in response: "We continually review our food prices and make small changes in line with the market. On rare occasions, the prices rise, and while we always try to absorb the costs, in some cases, it just isn't possible."

M&S has now provided a further comment, clarifying that the price increase only relates to the four-pint milk. A spokesperson said: "We are committed to providing trusted value for our customers whilst also supporting our suppliers.

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"Our Select Farms milk is part of our Remarksable Value range, offering great M&S quality for everyday products at prices that we benchmark to the market."

Other supermarkets have recently increased their milk prices, with recent figures from ADHB released earlier this month showing Tesco and Co-op had increased their prices.

Comparing with online prices at the time of writing, the £1.60 price from M&S is broadly in line with other supermarkets. Tesco and Asda both currently charge £1.55 for their own brand of 4 pint milk, while Morrisons charges £1.65.

Another shopper recently contacted M&S to voice their frustration as they had purchased a food item and then when they got home, they realised the use by date was the same day. They said: "This item wasn’t reduced and I was planning on using this over the week so I’m a bit surprised."

M&S said in response: "We don't use any unnecessary preservatives in our foods, which means a shorter shelf life. If we've got loads to clear, we may reduce products but this isn't always the case."

The supermarket also encouraged the person and other to check the label before buying an item, adding: "We do encourage customers to look at the dates when purchasing our food to save any disappointment. I can appreciate you may have missed it this time."