UK loves booze and crisps

The list compiled by IRI from sales data between November 2013-October 2014 shows that vodka and crisps are now the most popular items bought by UK shoppers.  

A litre of Smirnoff Vodka takes the number one spot, with sales of £191m, followed closely by Walkers Crisps (six-pack) with total sales of £179m for the year. Vodka also takes the third spot (Smirnoff 700ml), with Pringles fourth and Coca Cola Original (500ml) fifth. Famous Grouse Whiskey, Jack Daniels, Bell’s Whiskey and Gordon’s Gin all enter the top 20, alongside white bread, Cathedral City Mature Full-fat Cheddar and Lurpak Spreadable Butter. 

According to Tim Eales, strategic insight director at IRI: “Clearly we have our favourites – we like salty things, we like alcohol and sugary drinks, so the things we choose to spend our money on are never going to make the list of most healthy products!  It is surprising, but it presents a snapshot of what we like and what we’re buying.”

The data, which is collated and analysed by IRI from all UK multiples, convenience stores, independent grocers, as well as newsagents and tobacconists, also reveals then when own label products are included in the list, whole milk becomes the UK’s top seller with semi-skimmed milk coming in at number seven and skimmed milk at number 19. 

While food and drink items dominate the list, the first non-food item – toilet paper – appears at number 160, with sales of £30.8m for Triple Velvet White.