Out go pork pies... in come leggings!

So what does this say about the nation’s shopping habits?

IF modern spending habits are anything to go by, it seems Britons are finally paying attention to warnings over rising obesity. Women’s leggings and GoPro action cameras are now in vogue, according to the Office for National Statistics – while pork pies have been downgraded.

Raspberries have also been added to the annual basket of goods which is used to calculate inflation. And, the ONS says it will pay more attention to the price of trendy blueberries and sweet potatoes to reflect their wider popularity.

Seventies favourite quiche is also undergoing something of a revival and has entered the basket – while edam cheese falls out.

Pork pies will no longer be counted a category in their own right, but will be included in a ‘meat-based snacks’ group that includes sausage rolls, mini Cornish pasties and scotch eggs.

The ONS follows the prices of 714 products and services in 20,000 outlets each month to understand changes in the cost of living.

Every year, it adds and removes items to reflect changes in lifestyles, eating habits and technology.

On the face of it, increased demand for leggings suggests women are flocking to the gym or yoga class.

But it could also be a reflection of the rise of ‘athleisure’ wear – wearing tracksuits and jogging bottoms as fashion – made popular by celebrities such as Beyonce.

Designer labels including Alexander Wang and Kenzo have rushed to cash in on the trend, while Victoria Beckham is working on a range with Reebok.

Other changes reflect the relentless march of technology. While standalone digital cameras have fallen out, body cameras like the GoPro are included for the first time. GoPros are marketed as a way to film yourself doing daring experiences such as skydiving or rock climbing – but in reality, most are sold to cyclists to record dangerous driving on roads.

Digital media players, such as Apple TV and Chromecast, which allow users to watch video on a smartphone or television, are added to the basket at the expense of recorders and receivers such as Freeview boxes.

And while we spend hours watch- ing Nigella Lawson or Jamie Oliver, it seems we do not have time to peel a spud – with ready made mash added to this year’s basket.

It comes 30 years after Smash – dried mashed potato – was taken out. Other additions include pushalong sit-on toys – which replace the traditional tricycle – high chairs and soft play sessions for small children.

Also out are leg-waxing sessions and the price of a bottle of lager in a nightclub, reflecting challenging conditions for the sector that has seen a number of venues close.

With families increasingly opting for supersize TVs, the ONS will include more models with screens over 40in in its pricing survey.

Senior ONS statistician Philip Gooding said: ‘Every year we add new items to the basket to ensure that it reflects modern spending habits. We also update the weight of each item has to ensure the overall inflation numbers reflect shoppers’ experiences of inflation. However, while we add and remove a number of items each year, the overall change is actually quite small. This year we changed 36 out of a total basket of 714.’

Waitrose has seen a 15 per cent rise in sales of quiche and raspberries over the past year, with prepared mash up 14 per cent.

Its delicatessen buyer, Michelle Slade, said: ‘Quiche Lorraine was the epitome of food sophistication in the 70s and quiche is now seeing a revival.’