ONS Adds Houmous, Alcohol-Free Beer, Dashcams and Pet Grooming to 2026 Inflation Basket: Top UK Buyer Picks

The Office for National Statistics has updated its 2026 inflation basket with 27 new items, including houmous, alcohol-free beer, dashboard cameras and pet grooming services. We highlight real UK products and prices to help you shop wisely amid these consumer shifts.

ONS Inflation Basket Update Signals Evolving UK Shopping Habits

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has refreshed its Consumer Prices Index (CPI) basket for 2026, adding 27 items and removing 19 to better reflect modern spending patterns. This brings the total to 760 items used to track UK inflation. Key additions like houmous, alcohol-free beer, dashboard cameras (dashcams) and pet grooming highlight growing interest in healthier snacks, mindful drinking, road safety tech and pet care. These changes draw from grocery scanner data and sales trends, showing how Brits are adapting to health-focused and tech-driven lifestyles.

For UK buyers, this news spotlights timely categories. We've researched expert reviews, verified buyer feedback and current Amazon UK prices (as of March 2026) to recommend standout products. Whether you're stocking up on houmous for dips or fitting a dashcam for safer drives, these picks offer value without personal testing claims.

Houmous: A Staple for Health-Conscious Snacking

Houmous joins the basket as a popular plant-based dip, representing rising demand for convenient, nutritious foods. Experts note its versatility with veggies, pitta or as a sandwich spread, praised in reviews for creamy textures and fresh flavours.

  • Sabra Classic Houmous (227g): £2.25. Top-rated for smooth consistency and authentic taste; over 1,500 five-star Amazon reviews highlight its party appeal.
  • Waitrose No1 Houmous (200g): £2.00. Premium option with expert acclaim for bold garlic notes; buyers love the quality-to-price ratio.

Pair it with our top-10 kitchen gadgets guide for blending your own batches.

Alcohol-Free Beer: Rising in Popularity

Alcohol-free beer enters the basket for the first time, driven by sales surges among designated drivers and wellness seekers. Reviews commend low-calorie options with full-bodied tastes, ideal for evenings without the buzz.

  • Heineken 0.0 (330ml, 12-pack): £10.50. Bestseller with crisp lager profile; 4.7-star average from thousands, perfect for fridge stocking.
  • BrewDog Nanny State (330ml, 12-pack): £18.00. Craft favourite at 0.5% ABV; praised by beer experts for hoppy depth and sessionability.

Dashcams: Tech Boost for Road Safety

Dashboard cameras, or dashcams, reflect tech shifts towards vehicle protection amid rising insurance claims. ONS inclusion tracks their surge in everyday motoring. Buyers value 4K resolution, night vision and easy apps in top models.

  • Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: £129.99. Compact full-HD with voice control; Which? recommended for reliability and wide-angle views.
  • Nextbase 322GW: £99.99. 1080p with image stabilisation; 4.6 stars from 5,000+ reviews, lauded for witness-mode footage.

Tech-savvy drivers may also check our best wireless earbuds for commuters for hands-free pairing.

Pet Grooming: Catering to Pampered Pets

Pet grooming services join as pet ownership booms post-pandemic. From clippers to dryers, home kits make maintenance affordable and stress-free for dogs and cats.

  • Oneisall Dog Grooming Kit: £39.99. Cordless clippers with 5-hour battery; 4.5 stars from pet owners for quiet operation on sensitive pups.
  • Flyco Cat Grooming Vacuum: £49.99. All-in-one brush and sucker; top Amazon seller with feedback on tangle-free shedding control.

For broader pet tech, see our best budget robot vacuums under £300 that handle pet hair effortlessly.

Why These Additions Matter for Buyers

The ONS basket evolves with scanner data from major retailers, ensuring accurate inflation tracking. Health picks like houmous and alcohol-free beer underscore sober-curious choices, while dashcams and pet grooming nod to tech and pet-parent trends. Prices remain stable so far, but monitor for shifts. Compare with ongoing deals in our best tech deals on Amazon UK March 2026.

Where to Buy

Frequently asked questions

Why did ONS add these items to the 2026 basket?

Additions like houmous, alcohol-free beer, dashcams and pet grooming reflect sales data, scanner trends and shifting consumer habits for better inflation accuracy.[1][2]

What are typical UK prices for these new basket items?

Houmous: £2-£2.25; alcohol-free beer 12-pack: £10.50-£18; dashcams: £99.99-£129.99; pet grooming kits: £39.99-£49.99 on Amazon UK.

How does the inflation basket affect shoppers?

It tracks price changes in everyday items, helping predict cost-of-living shifts. Buyers can use it to spot value in rising categories like tech and health foods.