- Sales of mangoes +29% and sales of prepared mango +15% compared to this time last year with Waitrose Good To Go Mango (130g) the most popular food-to-go snack choice in the last month
- Sales of ready to use noodles, smoked salmon and pulled pork +30%, +8%, 5% compared to this time last year
- Searches on Waitrose.com for ‘mango chunks’, ‘pulled pork’ and ‘hot smoked salmon’ have soared +552%, +229% and +101% compared to this time last year
The Office for National Statistics have published today their 2025 “Basket of goods and services” and provides a vital snapshot of products representative of the goods and services that consumers typically spend their money on.
Waitrose's latest data confirms it: shoppers are driven by convenience and flavour. Pulled pork, smoked salmon, mango, and ready-to-cook noodles are leading the charge, reflecting the hottest trends in food.
Basket items coming in and going out as supported by Waitrose data:
Mango:
- Sales of mangoes +29% and sales of prepared mango +15% compared to this time last year.
- In the last month, the Waitrose Good To Go Mango (130g) is the most popular (1st) snack choice, and since the Meal Deal launched in August 2023, it is the 2nd most popular snack choice for customers.
- Recently launched our new and exclusive Waitrose No.1 Speciality Mango - Kaew Kamin variety (our 4th variety to our Thai mango family).
- Searches on Waitrose.com for ‘mango chunks’ and ‘mango fingers’ +522% and +242% compared to this time last year.
Paula Giusti, Fruit Buyer at Waitrose comments, “Mangoes are experiencing a surge in popularity, and for good reason. Their remarkable versatility allows them to transition from sweet to savoury, hot to cold, or simply be enjoyed on their own. Our Perfectly Ripe Mangoes are deliciously sweet, juicy and a great value option for our customers. Our No.1 Thai mango family, with their vibrant yellow skin, buttery texture, and intoxicating floral aroma, embodies this adaptability, offering a truly delicious culinary experience.”
Ready to use noodles:
- Sales of grocery meals: pot noodles +30% compared to this time last year.
- Searches on Waitrose.com for ‘instant noodles’ +19% compared to this time last year.
Emilie Wolfman, Trend Innovation Manager at Waitrose comments, “TikTok’s ‘make them fancy’ trend, which sees simple store-cupboard ingredients pimped up, has accelerated demand for instant noodles this year. What was previously seen as a studenty staple has progressed to consumers making fancy additions to their instant noodles using them as a blank canvas for more luxury ingredients - including crispy chilli oil, sesame seeds, eggs, spring onions and seaweed for a gourmet meal in.”
Pre-cooked pulled pork (replaces an existing oven-ready gammon or pork joint):
Zoe Simons, Senior Brand Development Chef at Waitrose comments, "The growing demand for convenience cooking is clearly shown by the popularity of slow-cooked, 'pulled' foods. Pulled pork, in particular, resonates with consumers seeking both ease and flavour. Its 'low and slow' method yields tender, versatile meat, ideal for diverse dishes and large gatherings, aligning with our customers' busy lifestyles."
Smoked salmon:
Alex Stoughton-Harris, Fish Buyer at Waitrose comments, “Smoked salmon is surging in popularity, becoming a top choice among smoked fish, as it perfectly aligns with the demands of health-conscious and convenience-driven consumers. This ready-to-eat delicacy offers not only no preparation but also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for their health benefits.”
