Cinema popcorn, smart phones, and alcohol are among the top items British consumers deem to be the most overpriced, according to a new report.

The savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk published its Overpriced Index, which details the products and services UK consumers believe to have the most over-inflated prices. 

The full report also looks at the impact ‘the pink tax’, Brexit, Coronavirus, and gentrification have had on the cost of living and the overall price of certain products. 

Popcorn purchased at the cinema topped the list, with 49 per cent of those asked believing it to be overpriced.

Other cinema snacks such as hot dogs, drinks and sweets were then second on the list with 45 per cent, closely followed by drinks and snacks from hotel mini bars at 44 per cent.

Petrol, alcohol and smartphones also made their way onto the list.

What were the ten items Britons considered to be the most expensive

  1. Cinema popcorn – 49 per cent of those asked
  2. Other cinema snacks – 45 per cent
  3. Hotel mini bar drinks and snacks – 44 per cent
  4. Petrol – 43 per cent
  5. Smartphones – 39 per cent
  6. Printer ink – 36 per cent
  7. Alcohol – 34 per cent
  8. Tobacco products – 32 per cent
  9. Hotel room service – 29 per cent
  10. Bottled Water – 29 per cent

Has Brexit played a part in this feeling?

Influences such as ‘the pink tax’, gentrification and Brexit have all had an impact on how consumers view the price of goods and services. 

Before Brexit came into place on 31st December 2020, more than two-thirds of Brits (67 per cent) were concerned about potential price hikes. Since the UK left the EU, just over half (56 per cent) say they have noticed prices going up.  

The most common goods and services Brits have noticed a rise in price for since Brexit include fruit (21 per cent), delivery fees (20 per cent), customs charges (18 per cent), meat (18 per cent), and cheese (17 per cent). 

Residents of Belfast are seeing the effects of Brexit more than anyone else in the UK, with nearly three quarters (70 per cent) saying they have noticed price increases in certain products and services since 31st Dec 2020.

Following closely behind are those in Scotland who also feel they have been negatively affected, with people in Edinburgh and Glasgow reporting rising costs at 63 per cent and 61 per cent respectively.  

On the other hand, nearly one in five (18 per cent) Brits have seen a price decrease in certain products and services thanks to Brexit. Brummies’ are most likely to notice this price dip with nearly a third (28 per cent) of residents saying so, followed closely by those in Newcastle (24 per cent) and London (24 per cent).  

Anita Naik, Lifestyle Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk, commented: “It’s natural that the cost of goods and services will fluctuate over time, however, it’s interesting to see the items Brits feel are notoriously overpriced.

“There are many everyday factors that impact our spending, but larger influences such as Brexit, ‘the pink tax’ and the pandemic have led to increases in prices of our favourite products.  

 “The top items Brits deem to be the most overly expensive are products we buy out of convenience, such as cinema popcorn, drinks and sweets and even drinks and snacks from hotel mini bars.  

 “However, there are some easy ways to stretch your money that little bit further. Certain items will cost more depending on where you buy them, so it’s always worth shopping around. 

“Thinking ahead and buying snacks at the supermarket before you get to the cinema, for example, can help you save, while still enjoying a sweet treat,” she added.