Adjusted for greenflation
‘Woke’ products make it into ONS study’s shopping basket Our Michelle fit for blast off
THE shopping basket used to measure the cost of living is now full of “woke” products that reflect our green concerns.
The Office for National Statistics analyses 180,000 prices a month across 720 goods and services to track inflation for its annual report.
And it said its 2020 basket reflects our environmental concerns and a move away from single-use plastic.
Items joining the list include reusable water bottles, on-thego coffee mugs, vegetable crisps, gluten-free cereals and minced turkey – a healthier alternative to red meat.
Pre-mixed drinks like canned gin and tonic or cocktails have also surged in popularity, along with botanical and fruitflavoured gin. But items like fast food chain burgers and frozen chicken breasts and imported legs of lamb are out.
ONS statistician Philip Gooding said: “This year we added reusable bottles and mugs to the inflation basket, as there has been a rise in popularity with many consumers looking to decrease their environmental impacts.
“We still like a tipple, though, as the addition of a cocktail-in-a-can reflects the growing number of brands introducing spirit mixes to their ranges.”
Linda Ellett, of analysts KPMG, added: “The changes in the ONS basket offers a fascinating look at how the consumer landscape is evolving. The balance between convenience and more eco-conscious consumption gets a look-in this year.”
Water bottle
MICHELLE Keegan is ready for anything after two weeks at a bootcamp before filming her final series of Our Girl. The BBC 1 drama sees her on the battlefield – and out of her combats as a bridesmaid. It returns on March 24.
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