Broccoli and recordable DVDs are edging Brussels sprouts and blank video tapes out of the average British shopping basket.
The nation's changing tastes are reflected in the Office for National Statistics' list of goods used to measure inflation.
Sat-nav systems and mobile phone downloads are included in the latest ONS "shopping basket" list for the first time.
Olive oil, probiotic drinks, courgettes and broccoli are the four food items to enter the new ONS list.
Vegetable oil, brie and Brussels sprouts have been dropped.
Digital radios make an appearance in the shopping basket for the first time. Combined radio, CD and cassette players have been elbowed out.
Old-style 'deep' widescreen televisions and portable TVs are no longer included while small flat panel TVs have entered the list.
The ONS shopping basket of around 650 goods and services is reviewed each year on the basis of consumer spending.
Fizzy drinks from vending machines and meals sold on trains, ferries and planes have joined the basket.
The switch from video cassettes to DVDs has seen recordable DVDs replace blank VHS tapes. VHS video players have been dropped.
Digital cameras - included in the list since 2004 - are now joined by digital processing, which replaces mail order film developing.
Credit card charges and mortgage arrangement fees are included for the first time.
Other de-listed items include 35mm compact cameras, children's Wellington boots, sunglasses and outdoor pot plants.
The ONS included diamond solitaire rings in place of gemstone cluster rings this year because it was easier to collect their prices.
Its 650-item shopping basket is used to compile two monthly inflation indicators: the Consumer Price Index and the Retail Prices Index.
Source: http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30400-1256484,00.html |
