Forget sourdough, this time it’s chips

Before lockdown hit, New Zealanders across the country turned to restaurants, bars and takeaways when we couldn’t be bothered slaving away at the stove.

But with those out of the picture until at least Covid alert level 3, we’ve had to learn to adapt and our new “lazy” food can be made in this lockdown’s most popular product purchase: Fryers.

Pricespy has released new data showing what Kiwis have been buying this lockdown and it appears low-effort fried food is the number one priority.

“Breadmakers were a huge hit in lockdown last year but this year’s big lockdown trend appears to be coming from the shopping category of fryers.”

Fryers, including air fryers, had a 285 per cent year-on-year growth, the data shows.

The national manager for Pricespy, Liisa Matinvesibassett, said: “Our data indicates people are looking to buy items that help pass the time, keep them entertained and offer the opportunity to create delicious-tasting food.”

Air fryers in particular have been popular, with Matinvesibassett going so far as to say they have a “cult following”. Known for being low effort with fast-food style results, air fryers make a healthier alternative to traditionally fried food.

But they’re not the only thing Kiwis have been snapping up for their kitchens this lockdown.

Espresso machines have seen 99 per cent year-on-year growth, proving it’s not only our weekly takeaway that we miss but also our baristas.

And the time of breadmakers isn’t over yet, with 74 per cent year-on-year growth.

The Pricespy data also showed parents were buying more Lego, board games and ebook readers, as they juggled work and childcare.

Fitness watches also appeared on the top buys list, showing Kiwis are still taking their exercise seriously even with gyms closed — perhaps to work off all those chips.