Houmous is IN, hotels are OUT! Shocking new basket reveals how YOUR spending has changed

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has updated its annual “basket of goods,” giving a fascinating glimpse into how families in Swansea Bay and across the UK are spending their cash.

This year’s changes highlight a shift towards healthier lifestyles, new technology, and a growing obsession with pets.

But it comes as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, with fears that inflation could surge again, hitting local households hard.

Maike Currie, VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, said the basket offers a “real-world glimpse” into changing habits.

“Houmous and alcohol-free beer have edged their way in, alongside pet grooming and dashboard cameras,” Ms Currie revealed.

She added that these changes reflect “healthier lifestyles, changing technology and the growing role pets play in household spending.”

Many of these shifts, she noted, were “kickstarted during the Covid pandemic but now look firmly entrenched in how households live and spend today.”

So, what else is in and what’s out for families in our area?

WHAT’S IN:

• Houmous: As vegetable spending rises and supermarkets expand their ranges, the chickpea dip is now a firm favourite.
• Alcohol-free beer: Reflecting the massive growth in low and no-alcohol drinks, a trend seen in pubs and shops across Swansea. Local brewers like Swansea-based Drop Bear Beer have been at the forefront of this boom.
• Dashboard cameras: Capturing the demand for new in-car technology and security products, as drivers look to protect themselves on our roads.
• Pet grooming: Highlighting the soaring spending on pet care services, with local dog groomers busier than ever.
• Motor homes: Recognising a significant boom in the leisure travel market, as more people opt for staycations.
• Croissants and breakfast pastries: Reflecting everyday bakery purchases, a familiar sight in local cafes. This includes popular local spots like Saint Hugo Bakery, known for their viennoiserie.
• Ready-made sandwiches: Capturing the growing variety of places people buy lunch, from city centre delis to supermarket meal deals.

WHAT’S OUT (OR CHANGING):

Hotel prices collected one day in advance: Removed to reduce volatility in the index, a move that could impact how we view local tourism.

Sheets of wrapping paper: Replaced with rolls, which better reflect what’s available in our high street stores.

Separate “European” and “New World” white wines: Replaced with a single white wine category, simplifying choices for shoppers.

Generic spray oil including olive oil: Replaced with non-olive spray oil to improve measurement of different oil types.

Ms Currie warned that the return to stable inflation could be “bumpier than expected,” potentially impacting local families and businesses.

This comes as concerns mount over rising energy prices and global uncertainty, which could temper hopes for interest rate cuts.

The changes in the ONS basket offer a stark reminder of how quickly our lives and spending habits can evolve, impacting everything from local food prices to leisure activities.

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