“The grocery bags mean that we can get away from the falu sausage trap,” said Emma Hernell at HUI, referring to the large traditional Swedish sausage made of pork and potato starch.

This is the twenty-fourth consecutive year that the institute has published its prediction for the gift most likely to fill the space under the tree this Christmas.

The tradition began back in 1988 when the baking machine was nominated.

The Christmas present of the year should fulfill at least one of three criteria which HUI has established. The bag of groceries is deemed to meet all three.

“It is new, it sells well and it reflects the times in which we live,” said Emma Hernell, explaining that it helps busy families broaden their culinary horizons.

The “bag of groceries” in question refers to a range of ready-packed ingredients with recipes for complete family meals.

The bags can typically be subscribed to for a number of days or a full week and consist of easy to make, varied meals and can follow a theme, for example organic or vegetarian.

The trend has taken off in Sweden in 2011 and have pave the way for grocery retailers to boost internet sales, HUI Research writes in its explanatory statement.

Through the years the following products have been nominated as Christmas present of the year:

Baking machine (1988)

Video camera (1989)

Wok (1990)

CD player (1991)

Video console/games (1992)

Perfume (1993)

Mobile phone (1994)

Compact disc (1995)

Internet packages (1996)

Electronic pet (1997)

PC games (1998)

Books (1999)

DVD player (2000)

Tools (2001)

Cook book (2002)

Winter hat (2003)

Flat screen TV (2004)

Poker set (2005)

Audio books (2006)

GPS receiver (2007)

An experience (2008)

Spiked yoga mat (2009)

Tablet PC (2010)