Understanding VAT on Food Hampers in the UK

Matthew B
Oct 23
2 min read

Food hampers are a festive favourite, especially around Christmas. But when it comes to VAT (Value Added Tax), things can get a little tricky. Hampers often contain a mix of items with different VAT rates, which means businesses need to be careful about how they calculate and apply VAT.

UK VAT Rates at a Glance

As of the current tax year, the UK applies three main VAT rates:

Standard Rate (20%) – Applies to most goods, including alcohol, confectionery, and luxury items.
Reduced Rate (5%) – Applies to specific items like domestic fuel.
Zero Rate (0%) – Applies to essential food items such as bread, milk, fruit, vegetables, and cheese.

Why Hampers Are Considered Mixed Supplies

HMRC treats gift hampers as mixed supplies, meaning they contain both zero-rated and standard-rated goods. This affects how VAT is calculated.

Standard-Rated Items Often Found in Hampers:

Alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)
Chocolates and sweets
Soft drinks
Decorative packaging (e.g., gift boxes, ribbons)

Zero-Rated Items Often Found in Hampers:

Cheese
Chutneys and jams
Plain biscuits
Smoked meats
Christmas puddings

How to Calculate VAT on Hampers

Because hampers contain a mix of items, VAT must be apportioned based on the value of each item. The most common method is cost-based apportionment.

Example:

If a hamper sells for £49.99 (including VAT) and 60% of its value comes from standard-rated items:

VAT = £49.99 × 60% × (1/6) = £5.00

This ensures VAT is only applied to the portion of the hamper that includes standard-rated goods.

What About Packaging?

Not all packaging affects VAT:

Essential packaging (e.g., bubble wrap, cooler packs) is excluded from VAT calculations.
Decorative packaging (e.g., wicker baskets, ribbons, tissue paper) is standard-rated and must be included in the VAT apportionment.

Tips for Businesses Selling Hampers

Use a fair and consistent method to calculate VAT.
Keep detailed records of item values and VAT rates.
Be aware that decorative elements and luxury items increase the VAT liability.
HMRC allows flexibility, but expects accuracy and transparency.

Need help understanding VAT for your hampers? At Porter & Woodman, we’re happy to guide you through the process or provide tailored advice for your business.