UK’s 2025 CPI Basket Gets a Tech‑Infused Make‑over
Yesterday the Office for National Statistics (ONS) tipped off the nation: the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) basket for 2025 just got a whole lot more modern. 23 fresh items have slipped in, while 15 old‑gamers have been axed, ending up with a tidy 752 entries.
New Kids on the Block
- Virtual reality headsets – because reality isn’t enough anymore
- Men’s sliders – the tiny, tasty snack that actually matters
- Exercise mats – for those “home‑office” aerobics sessions
- Pre‑cooked pulled pork – because nobody has time to grill
- Fixed tariffs for domestic gas and electricity – peace of mind for the energy–sensitive
Bits That Left the Party
- Oven‑ready joints – probably because people prefer take‑away now
- Newspaper adverts – echoing the rise of online scrolling
- In‑store cafeteria meals – the lunch‑box of the future has gone digital
Experts Weighed In
Gabriel McKeown – Head of Macroeconomics, Sad Rabbit Newsletter
“If you want to know what Britain cares about in 2025, look no further than its inflation basket,” he joked. “It’s all about fitness gurus, tech enthusiasts, and locking in energy deals before the prices skyrocket.” He added, “The annual update isn’t just a statistical exercise – it’s a snapshot of a country juggling uncertainties. Even as headline inflation seems to ease, the basket tells a richer story.”
Ben Perks – Managing Director, Orchard Financial Advisers
Perks didn’t pull any punches: “The only way Prime Minister Keir Starmer will get a thumbs‑up from the public is if people actually wear VR headsets.” He warned that some items, like tech gadgets, might feel out of left field, noting that the list “could use a dose of logic.”
Pete Mugleston – Mortgage Advisor, Online Mortgage Advisor
“VR headsets in the CPI sound baffling,” Mugleston remarked. “They’re far from staples like rent or groceries. Inflation should track what people truly spend on.” He questioned the removal of staple items, remarking that the basket’s tilt toward tech may blur the real picture of household spending.
Final Thought
The 2025 CPI basket is more than numbers – it’s a reflection of what people are buying as the economy evolves. With fixed energy tariffs now core and VR headsets on the list, the ONS is telling us that stability, tech, and fitness are top priorities for British consumers. Will this change sway the way we think about inflation? Only time (and the next update) will tell. Stay tuned for more real‑time insights right on your device – subscribe now!
