The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has returned vinyl records to its basket of goods tracked to measure inflation after 32 years.
The statistics agency added 16 new products this year to its list of 744 items it bases its inflation figure on to reflect changing buying habits.
New items on the list included air fryers, rice cakes, gluten-free bread and edible sunflower seeds.
The ONS said that a “resurgence in popularity” for physical vinyl records had resulted in the product being placed in the basket of goods for the first time 1992.
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Meanwhile, gluten-free bread has been added to reflect the increasing shelf space and range of gluten-free products available to shoppers, it said.
Another 15 were removed from the list, such as hand sanitiser, bakeware, sofa beds and rotisserie chicken.
ONS deputy director for prices Matt Corder said: “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.
“We are also seeing the impact of the pandemic fading from the basket with the removal of hand sanitiser due to decreased demand.
“Healthier lifestyle products continue to influence consumer choice reflected by the addition of the air fryer, spray oils and rice cakes as well as sunflower and pumpkin seeds.”
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