VIRTUAL reality headsets and yoga mats are the latest items to be added to the UK’s shopping list.
The Office for National Statistics annually updates its “basket of goods” of more than 700 products and services we spend our cash on.
A dramatic change in entertainment consumption this year sees VR sets in and DVD rentals out.
Yoga mats were also added after continuing to be popular following home workouts during the pandemic, the ONS said.
The basket of goods is used to measure the UK’s rate of inflation and reflect changing tastes.
Other entries were ready-to-use noodles and pre-cooked pulled pork — replacing gammon joints.
In fashion, men’s sliders were listed to show “a rapidly growing and previously unrepresented area of the footwear market”.
High street shop closures led to the ONS dropping “in-store cafeteria meals”, popular with shoppers visiting department stores.
Instead, people are more likely to visit casual dining venues, like Pizza Express and Nando’s.
Stephen Burgess, deputy director for prices at ONS, said: “Our inflation basket of goods shows how consumer spending has evolved over the years.
“The desire for convenience amid our busy lifestyles plays a part in this year’s basket changes.
“Consumers are choosing easier options in the kitchen, so oven-ready gammon joints make way for quicker choices.
“Men’s slider sandals step into the basket as a rapidly growing part of the male footwear market, while yoga mats are a new addition due to their increased popularity since the pandemic.”
How to save money on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
