Young women are shaving pounds of their spending as health-conscious shoppers try to shave pounds off their waistlines, according to a new consumer spending report.

In the last year free-from foods, popcorn, nuts and fish have all seen a rise in sales, Mintel's 27th British Lifestyles report has found.

As more consumers aimed for healthier eating habits, sales of free-from foods jumped 16%, popcorn rose 10%, and nuts, chilled fish and shellfish rose 3%.

Meanwhile pasta, pre-packed bread and processed poultry and meat all saw declining sales.

Sales of shaving and hair removal products also took a hit, falling 5% as more young women opted for the 'au naturel' look, the report said.

2016 proved 'challenging for the hair removal market as more young women chose to shun the shaver', with Mintel's data showing that 83% of women aged 16 to 24 agreed there was too much pressure on them to remove or groom body hair.

The report also showed Britons are increasingly prioritising spending on leisure activities and experiences over material possessions in what has become known as 'the experience economy'.

The leisure and entertainment market grew by an estimated 3.2% in 2016, outpacing the 2.4% growth estimated for the clothing, footwear and accessories category.

The drive to cut sugar in British diets saw sales of bottled water increase by 9%, to £2.2bn.

Almost a quarter (23%) of non-alcoholic drinks launched in the UK in 2016 carried a low, no or reduced sugar claim, up from 15% in 2011.