The average shopping basket today is now as likely to hold an iPod as a pint of milk, according to new research from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The study reveals that far from being a nation of bores content with tea and biscuits on a Sunday afternoon, the British public are techno-savvy bunch of party animals.

So where once slippers, portable CD players and chocolate-coated biscuits where top of the high street trends, now the iPod, flat player televisions and digital camcorders rank highly as desired items.

Muesli, minced lamb, hot milky drinks and sliced salami are also out, while three-quarter length coats, lagers in nightclubs and liquid foundation are in.

The ONS produce monthly the findings by surveying the prices of 120,000 goods bought.

Music downloads from online digital stores such as iTunes also proved popular, with over 26 million tracks sold over the internet in the UK last year.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd