U.K.’s “Shopping Basket” Undergoes Some Major Changes

British government statisticians have determined that shoppers in the U.K. are increasingly buying more healthful foods and specialty items that might be more expensive. In the so-called “national shopping basket,” chilled pizzas have replaced frozen, for example, and melons and protein shakes have replaced probiotic yogurts. Also added to the official list of what shoppers buy are sweet potatoes, craft ales, and offal (liver and kidney). Nonfood items added to the list included electronic cigarettes, and colorful wall paints. (White emulsion paint was removed from the basket.) A Kantar Worldpanel analyst said the changes reflect a growing economy and more optimistic national mood. "Families are more happy to use their money to eat well and try different tastes."