Have spiralisers had their day?

Potato sales may be set for a boost with the news that more consumers are buying potato ricers.

Argos this week reported that sales of potato ricers are up 20 per cent year on year, with pasta makers also up 10 per cent.

By contrast, sales of spiralisers - which had previously been flying off the shelf as shoppers made their own courgette spaghetti and the like - have collapsed by 65 per cent.

The new figures come as a recent study from Stanford University claimed that low-carb diets, such as the keto diet made popular by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, are not necessarily better for losing weight than low-fat diets. According to the NHS, wholegrain starchy carbs like bread, rice, potatoes and pasta have many health benefits as they provide a slow release of energy throughout the day .

Dawn Ritchie, kitchen buyer at Argos, said: “Our data suggests that customers are tired of faking it when it comes to carbs. Rather than buying spiralisers, they are choosing to invest in gadgets that allow them to enjoy the real deal, such as pasta and bread makers, and potato ricers.

“This leads us to believe that not only are Brits consuming more carbs, but that there is a trend for spurning ready meals in favour of making delicious pasta and bread from scratch.”