Pasta, beans and loo paper: the items mothers are stockpiling

A new Mumsnet survey of mothers reveals that 18% of respondents have bought extra supplies of food because of concern about Brexit, while 11% have bought extra over-the-counter medicines and 8% have built up extra supplies of prescription drugs.

"I’m prepping. I have a three-year-old and have to think about what's best for her. I'm a very rational person and never thought I'd act like this, but I'm worried about food shortages through panic buying." - Survey respondent

"The only concern I have is for my baby who has prescribed formula due to severe allergy. Her formula comes from the Netherlands." - Survey respondent

Of those who have stockpiled food or household supplies, the most-hoarded items are:

• Pasta (65%);

• Loo paper (56%);

• Tinned soups and sauces (53%);

• Beans/lentils/pulses (52%); and

• Baked beans (50%).

"I’m stockpiling chocolate because the bars keep getting smaller." - Survey respondent

"I’m not worried about the supply chain. I’m more worried about people panic-buying and going mental." - Survey respondent

Nearly one-third (30%) of the mothers surveyed say concern about Brexit has made them delay holiday bookings. 10% have delayed a house sale or purchase, and 9% have delayed a career or job move – while 2% have delayed planning a baby.

"I’m not booking a holiday abroad this year – too worried about airspace and flight guarantees." - Survey respondent

"I’m optimistic it will all be OK but I’m delaying booking any flights." - Survey respondent

However, not everyone is worried. According to one survey respondent, "it’s Bird Flu all over again."

"We all love a good panic for no reason. I've probably got enough pasta to last a month or so anyway (unless the teenager starts midnight cooking again)." - Survey respondent

Mumsnet Founder Justine Roberts said: "Mumsnet users tend towards the organised so it’s no surprise to see that some are taking the threat to food and grocery supply chains seriously – although quite a few say their main concern is being able to swerve supermarkets filled with panic-buyers in final days of March. Those who use prescription drugs, or whose family members need them, are understandably very worried indeed, and don’t appear to be reassured by anything the government has said so far."