Vinyl Records and Air Fryers Spin Their Way into the 2024 Basket of Good

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has unveiled the latest updates to its annual "Basket of Goods and Services," providing a snapshot of evolving consumer habits in the UK. This year, the ONS has added 16 new items and removed 15, reflecting the changing tastes and trends of us Brit shoppers.

Vinyl Records: A Blast from the Past

In a nostalgic twist, vinyl records have spun their way back into the basket after a long hiatus. As an, ahem, 50-ish year old, who'd have thought?! Once a staple of every music lover's collection, vinyl records had been out of the basket since 1992. Their resurgence in popularity, driven by a renewed appreciation for analogue sound quality and album art, has warranted their return. Vinyl sales have skyrocketed apparently, making them more than just a hipster novelty. Move over, Spotify; there's a new (old) sheriff in town.

Air Fryers: The Kitchen's New Darling

Joining vinyl records in the basket is another modern must-have: the air fryer. I've got one, my neighbour has got one. And you've probably got one too! With its promise of crispy, golden goodness without the guilt of deep frying (which still happens in our house occasionally), the air fryer has cemented its place on countless kitchen counters. Expenditure on air fryers soared by over 30% from 2021 to 2022, proving that us Brits are embracing healthier cooking methods that also save on energy costs... who doesn't love a gadget that can make chips healthier, after all?

Health and Wellness Trends

The trend towards healthier living continues to shape consumer choices. Spray oil, rice cakes, and gluten-free bread are new entries, for those maintaining - or at least trying - a balanced diet. Spray oil, a product that encourages minimal use of fat, reflects the growing interest in healthier cooking methods. Meanwhile, rice cakes and gluten-free bread cater to the increasing demand for dietary-specific products, whether due to health conditions or lifestyle choices.

Goodbye to Pandemic Staples

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic slowly ebbs away, some items have fallen out of favour. Hand sanitiser, a ubiquitous presence over the past few years, has been removed from the basket. Reduced demand has led to less shelf space, signaling a return to pre-pandemic norms. So, while it's still wise to keep your hands clean, it seems the frantic sanitising days are largely behind us. We hope!

Other Departures

The ONS has also said goodbye to some less-demanded items like sofa beds and rotisserie-cooked hot whole chickens, which was a big hit, even fairly recently. Meanwhile, rotisserie chickens are losing their spot as supermarkets shift towards offering smaller, more convenient portions like thighs and legs, catering to the grab-and-go lunch crowd. Sofa beds, once the saviour of small apartments and unexpected guests, have seen a dip in popularity.

The Quirky and the Curious

The basket also sees the exit of bakeware, such as baking trays and roasting tins, with frying pans now set to represent this category. This move reflects similar price movements and usage trends, streamlining the basket's composition. Matt Corder, Deputy Director for Prices at the ONS, highlighted the basket's dynamic nature: "Our inflation basket of goods offers a fascinating snapshot of consumer spending through the years. Often the basket reflects the adoption of new technology, but the return of vinyl records shows how cultural revivals can affect our spending." As we continue our journey through 2024 (isn't this year speeding by?) these changes in the basket of goods underscore the evolving landscape of consumer habits, from culinary innovations to cultural comebacks. Whether you're spinning a vinyl record or air frying your dinner, the ONS basket ensures it captures the zeitgeist of our times. For a detailed look at all the additions and removals, visit the ONS website.