What food to buy ahead of the VAT increase

ag120

VAT increases from 17.5% to 20% on 4 January, and as food is probably a big cost for most of us, I thought I'd start this thread to list food items that are subject to VAT, and therefore probably a good idea to buy before VAT goes up. As a man that lives on ready meals and booze, I know I'm going to be hit by this! Anyone want to start a list of other food products that attract VAT that people might not realise?

skintbint_2

bit of a confusing subject so here's a link to an article from the telegraph that may make things a bit clearer (as clear as mud!)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/how-budget-affect-me/7854409/Budget-2010-make-your-shopping-list-VAT-free.html

itsallinthemind

I was wondering this myself, planning to do an online order before then.

I do not tend to buy processed foods, so should not be hit and already buy nuts, dried fruits etc from the baking section as opposed to snack section.

So I think for me, it will be any cleaning, toiletries, toilet roll etc? Or is toilet roll classed as an essential?

Just thought...coffee, I bet that has VAT.

I'm rather lost, I admit!

itsallinthemind

Oooeeee OP your ready meals are safe! So is my coffee!
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageLibrary_PublicNoticesAndInfoSheets&propertyType=document&columns=1&id=HMCE_CL_000118#P67_4124

Vaila

thanks for posting this, going to have a more detailed look later

i would go as far to say this should be made as a sticky as it will be relevant to all of us

lilykim

Thanks skintbint. This is really handy.

Barneysmom

I think the man on the news said bathroom cleaning products will go up but not sure about loo roll?

itsallinthemind

Barneysmom wrote: »

I think the man on the news said bathroom cleaning products will go up but not sure about loo roll?

I think I'll just stock up anyway, my local Co-op nearly ran out when the snow hit. I'm not that OS that I could go without

itsallinthemind

VAT on toilet rolls, not ladies sanitary supplies

Barneysmom

itsallinthemind wrote: »

VAT on toilet rolls, not ladies sanitary supplies

I'm so glad I stocked up, we've got about 50 rolls in the boxroom

itsallinthemind

Barneysmom wrote: »

I'm so glad I stocked up, we've got about 50 rolls in the boxroom

I sssooooo have toilet roll envy :rotfl: