Asda has launched its own online dating service, purporting to pair up compatible singletons based on their shopping habits. Asdadating.com asks those who register to select from a range of foodstuffs before matching them to people who have similar tastes. If the idea that people who shop alike are destined for one another sounds like the result of a specious survey commissioned to drum up publicity ahead of Valentine's Day, well, that doesn't mean you can't judge a date by looking in his or her trolley. Just use this handy table:
No married men, please
Profile "Female, 30-45, single, looking for love, long-term companionship, quick meaningless fling, whatever. No more married men, please."
Basket contents Copy of Heat magazine, cat food, 1.5 litre vodka, KitKat multipack, family pack eclairs, Kleenex, ibuprofen.
Aisle 9 Wellbeing, weeping.
The thinking woman's crumpet
Profile "University student, male, 19. Likes: literature, cooking, cool clothes, good wine, intelligent conversation."
Basket Cider, Shreddies, 24-count plastic spoons, copy of Viz magazine, XL Burgundy fleece.
Aisle 7 Biscuits & Snacks, helping himself to the Hobnobs.
She's still got it
Profile "Female, 49, attractive, bored and unhappily married, desperately looking for a way out. Rescue me!"
Basket Porridge oats, sugar, drain cleaner, eye-dropper, copy of Conde Nast Traveller, sunblock.
Aisle 2 Hats & sunglasses, near the mirror.
GSOH
Profile "Male, 36, attractive, slim, 6ft 1in, GSOH. George Clooney lookalike, successful, single and lonely, looking to share romantic evenings and my considerable wealth. Long-term relationship, marriage & kids a definite possibility, commitment a must. Likes: fine dining, travel, adventure, listening, weepy B&W films."
Basket Vintage champagne, single mango, Guardian, organic duck, flowers, fairtrade espresso, chocolate, Now Voyager DVD.
Aisle Not available in-store
Lonely guy
Profile "Male, 29, quiet, shy, studious; keeps self to self."
Basket Knives, bleach, economy disinfectant, bin liners (40), Taxi Driver DVD, the Sun.
Aisle 3 Ladies lingerie, asking if they have fitting rooms.
• Can you really tell anything meaningful from people's shopping baskets? Have your say below...
