Hand sanitiser and sofa beds were the most high-profile casualties of the latest rejigging of the ONS “inflation basket”, which contains everything from cucumbers and TV licences to compost and tissues, and is used to measure the annual inflation rate.
Post-COVID, demand for hand hygiene gel has fallen, resulting in a reduction in the shelf space devoted to the product and its removal from the basket, the ONS said.
These items, out of the 744 used in its calculations, have made way for groceries and appliances which suggest Britain is becoming more health conscious in its shopping habits. Rice cakes, spray oil, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and packaged salad are all newly-included items, alongside hot kitchen gadget the air fryer.
The ONS cited the fact that spending on cooking items such as air fryers increased by over 30% between 2021 and 2022. Air fryers are also an appliance primed for the energy conscious in a time when cash-strapped households are looking to save on bills, as they consume less energy than a standard oven.
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Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
