Sales at supermarkets and food stores dropped 3.1% in December, after a 1.1% rise in November, according to new figures from the ONS.
The ONS said there was anecdotal evidence that consumers had stocked up on Christmas food and gifts in November.
In addition, the data shows that consumers cut back at the pump, with fuel sales down 1.9% in December.
Overall retail sales volumes dipped by 3.2% in December, down from a rise of 1.4% a month before.
The ONS data reveals total retail sales volumes fell 2.8% in 2023, after a fall of 3.4% in 2022, reflecting the impact of high inflation and the cost-of-living pressures making consumers increasingly cautious about spending.
