Is Sustainable Superfood Kelp About To Make Waves?

Kelp is a sustainable superfood with all the qualities that appeal to today’s consumer, but it hasn’t really hit the mainstream—at least, not yet.

SNAP Users Face New Struggle in 2023

Nearly one-third of survey respondents (30%) are currently skipping meals to account for their financial shortfall.

Alcohol To-Go Isn’t Going Away

Alcohol to-go has become a permanent fixture around the United States, presenting a massive growth opportunity for businesses.

Research Shows Gen Z Welcomes Loyalty Programs, Sharing Data

Gen Z and millennials may be coming into their own, but those aged 18-43 differ markedly from both Gen Xers and baby boomers when it comes to restaurant habits, and attitudes toward loyalty programs. A …

Analysis: What Gen Z Seeks From Supermarkets

A new study found that 78% of Gen Zers are concerned about the economy and, somewhat surprisingly, 97% of the youthful cohort still shops in-store.

Hot Dogs, Happiness, and the Health-Conscious Consumer

In the age of the health-conscious consumer, devotion to the traditional hot dog reflects a growing movement towards “all things in moderation.” What does this mean for plant-based varieties?

Investors Are Waiting for Consumers to Trade Down (or Not)

In the face of inflation, the U.S. consumer has shown impressive resilience. As a result, branded food manufacturers posted strong pricing-driven profit growth in 2022, and stocks in the sector rose sharply even in a …

The Continued Rise of the Flexitarian Diet

Gregory Banzon, chief operating officer of Century Pacific Food, has come to a decisive conclusion: Grocers should target “flexitarian” consumers – those who only occasionally eat meat – because that movement “could be the future …

The Route to Market (& Me) – Amazon Fresh & The Evolving Consumer

“What is the route to market?” Carroll wondered. “That’s what we all used to say – ‘what is the route to market?’ Today, though, it’s the route to me. Give me what I want, when I want it, as conveniently as possible.”

Analysis: Asian Food Winning Over America

New research illustrates the palate Americans have developed for Asian food over the years. Pew Research found that nearly three-quarters of all U.S. counties (73%) now have at least one Asian restaurant of some kind. …

Poll Shows Americans Have Become Adventurous Eaters

A recent survey suggests there’s pent-up demand to eat out — and to try new flavors — as American consumers become more adventurous eaters. Nearly half of the survey’s respondents (47%) said they’re tired of …

QR Codes: ReliQ or Revolutionary?

How, and why, should some businesses do away with table- or barside QR codes, and what should be expected from both business and consumer? The QR Qonundrum doesn’t have to be an all-in or all-out decision, however – a hybrid approach, using lessons from the business side of the pandemic and the consumer side of hospitality, may be a viable way forward for businesses large and small.

Study: Most Americans Are Interested in Sober Bars

It appears many Americans are rather intrigued by the “sober curious” movement. A new study reveals that 51% of Americans wish they had access to a sober bar as an alternative to traditional watering holes …

3 Key Takeaways from the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo

CHICAGO – Nearly 18,000 people attended the National Confectioners Association’s 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo recently, the final show to be held in Chicago before moving to Indianapolis (2024, 2025) and Las Vegas (2026). At …

Exec: Upcycled Food Movement Set to Gain Major Momentum

As consumers exhibit growing interest in waste and sustainability, companies are looking at taking what would once have been discarded and creating a new product – and the food industry is part of this approach, …

Analysis: The Healthiest Superfoods

Eat a balanced diet. We’ve heard that edict since we were children, but now all the shouting is about superfoods and supplements that can do everything from lower blood pressure to improve gut health to …

‘Climavore’ Lifestyle Growing Rapidly

“Climavorism” – in which consumers make food choices based on climate impacts – is a concept that’s gaining traction. Climavores are as prevalent as ever, judging by a recent survey by consulting firm Kearney Inc. …

Drive Impulse Purchases Using Urgency and Store Layout

Despite inflation, impulse purchases remain a key opportunity for maximizing basket sizes. A study by Ipsos found that while 56% of consumers say they’re making fewer impulse buys, one-third still made one in the past …

Survey: Amid Inflation, Most Americans Call Healthy Food ‘a Luxury’

A new survey offers insight into Americans’ current challenges when trying to maintain access to healthy food. While most people are well aware of the importance of eating healthy food in 2023, recent findings from …

Why Overlooking Baby Boomer Consumers is a Big Mistake

The tastes of Baby Boomer consumers are evolving in a manner that defies stereotypes. “With nearly sixty percent of Boomers using digital promotions, and that usage increasing rapidly – surpassing paper usage last year – …

When Wallets Are Tight, Concentrate on Quality & Convenience

When consumers start tightening their wallets due to economic conditions, they start choosing between price and convenience. And in the case of major retailers, it becomes a struggle to decide where to concentrate efforts. “Companies …

Groundbreaking Consumer Insight: The Snack 50 Psychological Ranking

According to Circana Group and reported by The Wall Street Journal, nearly half of American consumers snack three times or more every day, a figure up 8% in the past two years. Last year, U.S. snack sales soared to over $180 billion, up 11% from the previous year.

Summer Preview ’23: Inflation Alters Vacation Plans

Inflation is lingering like an in-law overstaying their welcome. As a result, consumers are demanding deals as they make vacation plans for summer 2023. Judging by recent research, consumers plan to hit the road in …

Top 5 Healthiest Diets

A diet may help you lose weight quickly, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a healthy choice. To help people parse through the wealth of information (and misinformation) available today, the American Heart Association (AHA) …

Future of Soda: Less Sugar, More Influencers

The global carbonated soft drink market size is expected to grow at a modest CAGR of 4.7% through 2028, and industry experts say consumers demand more creative products like craft sodas.

Deep Dive: The State of Alternative Milk

Alternative milks remain the darling of plant-based growth. Record high dairy inflation and a deluge of new alternatives, however, are putting the brakes on product movement.

Report: Gen Z Embracing Restaurants’ New Tech, Experiential Offerings

Restaurants are picking up the pace regarding innovation for their offerings. After an era of low-contact transactions due to coronavirus fears, an increasing number of consumers prefer the tech-based service restaurants are now offering. The …

Why Lemon8 May Replace TikTok as Top Marketing App

As Congress considers a ban on the social media platform TikTok due to questions about the privacy of data, online safety concerns and connections with the Chinese Communist Party, many individuals and businesses alike are …

Gen Z, Veganism, and the Future

Gen Z says their veganism not a phase. In fact, 72% of Gen Z vegans plan to stay that way for at least the next five years, according to a new survey.

Consumers Demand Functional Beverages

There’s a reason Zane Adams’ brand dove all-in on nutrient-dense drinks: functional beverages are gathering steam in 2023.

Census Bureau: Food Insecurity Spiked in April

Matthew Morfin and Delta Keller say the last week of the month is always the hardest for feeding their family. “Usually, our benefits last until the third week of the month and by then, it …

Survey: 88% of Shoppers Willing to Switch Brands to Save

Consumer research platform Attest found that 88% of American adults are willing to ditch their preferred brands to save money in 2023.

Boosting the Better-for-You Beverage Offer in Foodservice

Better-for-you beverages are booming, but major foodservice players have been slow to diversify their fountain offerings. Can consumer demand for healthier alternatives turn the tides?

Why Indian Food is Gaining Momentum in America

Indian food is gaining momentum globally. One restauranteur said it’s due to adventurous Gen Z consumers and bolstered by the cuisine’s health halo.

Report: ‘Shrinkflation’ Top of Mind for Consumers

Shrinkflation is hitting Americans – hard. Almost three out of four consumers are concerned about the trend of shrinkflation – when companies keep their prices the same, yet give customers less of their products – …

The Inflationary Consumer: Fewer Trips but Bigger Carts

Consumers’ grocery shopping habits are changing as they grapple with inflation, leading to fewer trips but spending more during each visit. Between November 2022 and January 2023, average basket size rose 6% while number of …