Whatever their political opinions about the EU, British consumers are increasingly turning to Europe for taste.
The finding comes from this year’s update of the official basket of everyday goods which is used to calculate inflation in the UK. In addition to serving as an economic tool, it is also an interesting indicator of popular trends.
Among the new entries this year are multipacks of meat-based snacks, such as Parma prosciutto ham, salami, and Spanish chorizo. Removed from the list was cooked sliced turkey which had been a regular for sandwich making.
The Office for National Statistics said it had been added to take into account the growing market for “buffet-type food”.
The inclusion of cured meats and similar snacks reflect the surge in sales in recent years resulting by the trend for high protein low carbohydrate diets, according to consumer analysts Mintel’s Emma Clifford.
“Protein has attracted more interest in a healthy eating context in recent years, particularly among the younger generation,” she said.
“This is linked to its associations with sport and fitness – helping to build its appeal among men in particular – as well as perceptions of helping with weight management.”
The magnificent lemon, so closely associated with the Mediterranean diet, was finally added to the basket for what is understood to be the first time.
Also trending is the notion of making Italian coffee at home, hence espresso pods were added.
“If it weren't for the coffee shop culture, I doubt the pods would have taken off,” said Kiti Soininen of Mintel who added that espresso machines at home have increased in popularity as prices have decreased after the Nespresso patent expired and competitors ploughed into the market.
In the continued rush for convenience, microwave packs of rice are another addition.
A large chocolate bar was added. Although the inflation basket already had a small chocolate bar, the ONS said this was an underrepresented category.
Outside of the kitchen, the ONS no longer considers nightclub entry fees as a common item as there has been a noticeable drop in the number of clubs and those remaining have had to drop charges in order to get bums on seats.
Digital rules and consequently the CD Rom and DVDs were among those items kicked out of the basket.
Computer software such as word processing, antivirus or web design is now in along with downloaded computer games.
Sat navs out are as drivers increasingly use traffic apps on phones or purchased cars which already had them built in.
The basket concept is 70 years old and has been updated every year since 1947. The new basket features 704 items of which 15 are new this year, with 14 other items being removed and 13 modified.
