Three Key Grocery Shopper Trends in 2024

Grocery shoppers are adapting their buying patterns in response to economic uncertainties and external influences in 2024.

Appetite for Reduction: GLP-1 Drugs Fuel Grocery Decrease

The market for GLP-1 drugs is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Manufacturers and brands who want a piece of the low-sugar pie, so to speak, will have to offer the same.

Cereal Manufacturers Desperate to Boost Sales

Americans are turning away from breakfast cereal, and that’s got cereal manufacturers seeking fresh innovation to bring consumers back to their bowls and the breakfast table.

Understanding Why Regenerative Agriculture is the Fastest-Growing Green Theme

“Brands that genuinely commit to regenerative agriculture can build strong connections with consumers who prioritize regeneration,” says Michael Ham of Wild Orchard Tea Company. “This can result in long-term brand loyalty and positive associations with environmental responsibility.”

Consumers Award Better-for-You in New Product Survey

Despite some titans of the pantry and cookie jar winning in their categories (Keebler’s Chips Deluxe Fudgy in the Cookie category; Dr. Pepper Strawberries & Cream in Soft Drink), better-for-you offerings not only abounded but won several snacking categories.

Why Legacy Beverage Brands are Revamping Their Image

Dunkin’ Donuts’ shift to simply Dunkin’ serves as the gold standard in the contemporary rebranding landscape.

The Evolving Grocery Consumer

Alex Trott, director of insights with 84.51°, helps break down current pain points and opportunities that grocery consumers are facing.

Organic Growth Continues, Even Amidst Inflation

Though the cost of many grocery items – like beef and poultry – continues to increase, organic food sales continue to rise.

Is Self-Checkout a Consumer Terminator? Retail, Robots, and More in 2024

There’s also an interesting feedback loop occurring in American consumerism – the tighter the budget becomes, and the more stressed people feel, the more demands they have regarding how they’d like to be accommodated while shopping.

Chocolate Purchases Dip Despite Candy Viewed as Energy Boost

A new report from Mintel suggests one-third of Americans rationalize purchasing chocolate as an energy boost. Meanwhile, new research suggests a direct connection between dark chocolate and reducing factors that contribute to essential hypertension.

2023: The Year of Private Label Sets the Stage for 2024

Millennials grew up with store brands and they see them for what they are – a brand. Without a doubt, there is a transformation taking place in the private brand mainstream tier where products are moving away from strict equivalency to national brands and becoming true national brand alternatives.

Analysis: Albertsons’ Healthy Eating Incentives Could Set Industry Trend

“In the sea of nearly identical programs, grocers are racing to keep up by adding perks such as free delivery or bigger buy-one-get-one savings,” Upside’s Thomas Weinandy said in a blog post.

Will Beef Prices Stay Elevated into 2024?

Looking ahead, Zimmerman noted that prices would likely increase in the new year, but the magnitude of that increase would likely be more subtle in 2024.

Prominent Doctor Fears Impact of TikTok Diet Trends

Americans are getting away from healthy habits like meal prepping and perusing produce aisles. Instead, many consumers opt for quicker, more convenient food that often include preservatives and copious amounts of sugar or oils.

How to Shelf Actualize in Grocery & Retail

“Grocers now have more technology at their disposal than ever before, and effectively leveraging this data to drive in-store performance has become increasingly difficult,” Boyle said.

The Future of Food: Health, Wellness, and the Trillion-Dollar Opportunity

The global health and wellness food market was $940 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a 5% CAGR, hitting $1.47 trillion in 2027.

2024 Tech & Digital Trends in Restaurant & Retail, Part 3: The Loyalty-free Consumer

Monolithic allegiance has given way to the brands and companies that can provide the best, most convenient, and value-driven experiences, making every consumer a seven-headed hydra.

Consumers’ Cookie Craze Picks Up the Pace

Nostalgia and fond memories have kept cookies popular and the treats remain a favorite because of their portability and versatility. 

Organic Growth Continues, Even Amidst Inflation

The quarterly percentage of American adults who say they purchase organic food regularly (or, “every chance I get,”) is up two percentage points since the first quarter of 2021, reaching 12%.

CEOs’ Secrets to Success in the New Year

“Remember that running a food and beverage business can sometimes be akin to ‘buying yourself a job;’ it may not always guarantee immediate or substantial returns on investment.”

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 22, 2023

The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on PepsiCo’s bold plans for its convenient foods items.

The Rich History of National Butter Day

U.S. milk and butterfat production experienced parallel growth at 24% from 1995 to 2010. Since then, however, production has exploded, particularly for butterfat, pushing 27% growth.

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 15, 2023

The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on the evolution of self-checkout kiosks and customer service.

Zepbound: Latest Weapon in Weight-Loss Drug Arsenal

Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, recently approved by the FDA, is the most potent weight-loss drug yet. Could it impact the food industry? At least one expert says ‘yes.’

Consumers Are Changing How They Grocery Shop… Again

It’s no secret that consumers are dealing with a lot right now—emergency SNAP benefits ended, student loan payments restarted, and food inflation has persisted—putting many grocery consumers in a bind and ultimately changing how they …

Instant Noodles Gather Steam: 5 Popular Options

Demand for instant noodles jumped 2.6% globally to a record high of 121.2 billion servings last year, according to the World Instant Noodles Association, and 2023 marked the seventh consecutive year of instant noodle growth and consumption.

Cider is the Next Craft Beer Movement

Like session beers, Guiver said many ciders feature a higher ABV than what many people are used to (or remember!). “We’re seeing more ciders with ABVs of 7% or more as customer trends change,” she added, “and cider is walking this line of tradition as well as approachability and innovation.”

Tracking Latin-American Influence on Food and Food Retail

The Latin population in the U.S. is growing – how does this impact the U.S. grocery retail sector as a whole?

How In-Store Restaurants Can Boost Business

The lines between grocery store and restaurant have been blurring for some time now as retailers offer more takeout options for busy shoppers, but the concept can go beyond grabbing dinner while picking up groceries. …

Who is the Modern Grocery Consumer?

Consumers have been hammered by the one-two punch of the pandemic and inflation, which is impacting what they buy and where they get it.

Game On: Gamification Rewards Grocers Who Think Outside the Box

Grocers are always looking for ways to encourage larger baskets and build loyalty, and one potential avenue is looking outside the usual incentives to explore the possibilities of gamification. Fun, simple activities can be more …

Three Consumer Mindsets Driving Fresh Grocery Sales

Despite easing inflation concerns, consumers are still preparing 85% of meals at home, which presents significant sales opportunities. In a recent webinar, Circana and FMI unpacked the three major mindsets driving today’s fresh grocery shoppers.

The Slow, Rewarding, Delicious Business of Branded Apples

The American apple harvest could reach 250 million bushels this year, a 1.5% increase from 2022. Branded apple varieties account for 15% to 20% of apple sales.

FI Fast Break audio news: Sept. 6, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the growing prevalence of food allergies among American youths.

FI Fast Break audio news: August 30, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on big changes in the seafood industry around the world of late.

FI Fast Break audio news: August 23, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the Midwest heat wave’s potential impact on agriculture.