Brits shun healthy food for chocolate, fizzy drinks, booze and tobacco, 2019 review reveals

BRITS were driven to spend more on junk food, booze and tobacco in 2019, a shopping review has shown. But sales of bread, yoghurt and fruit juice plummeted. The report shows that of the ten fastest growing supermarket items, seven are far from healthy. Chocolate sales soared most, by £183million. Next was rolling tobacco, spirits, […]

BRITS were driven to spend more on junk food, booze and tobacco in 2019, a shopping review has shown.

But sales of bread, yoghurt and fruit juice plummeted. The report shows that of the ten fastest growing supermarket items, seven are far from healthy.

Getty Images - Getty

Chocolate sales soared most, by £183million.

Next was rolling tobacco, spirits, fizzy drinks and crisps, said trade journal The Grocer.

Factors behind the growth include new choc products, the high price of cigarettes and the gin and cocktails trend.

The sugar tax raised the price of fizzy drinks without affecting sales. And the boredom of the Brexit saga may have driven many to drink, smoke and chomp comfort food.

Reasons for goods in decline include concerns over sugar in juices plus cheaper own-brand loaves.

Meat was the biggest faller, mainly due to the veggie and vegan boom.

But with high sales overall, The Grocer said: “Budget-conscious Brits may decide not to go on holiday, invest in a car or buy a new coat, but they still have to buy groceries.”

• GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk.