Many of today’s busy consumers are juggling their careers, families and social lives while striving to maintain healthy lifestyles, both physically and mentally. Food and diet plays an essential role in this, with innovation increasingly looking to support consumer choices as many endeavor to balance the benefits and costs of these hectic lifestyles.

Mintel’s Global COVID-19 Tracker trends changes in global consumer behavior directly related to COVID-19.

Just one week ago, only 48% of consumers expressed concern about the spread of the novel coronavirus. Today that number has risen to 72% according to week two of an ongoing weekly tracking study of 200 Americans across the country conducted by the Sterling-Rice Group (SRG).

Meat and poultry consumption in the US is expected to increase less than 1.0% per year through 2023, but greater gains are projected in other parts of the world. Most notably, nations in Africa and the Middle East are forecast to register the fastest increases in meat consumption, as rising living standards and income levels allow more people to incorporate meat into their regular diet.

In the contemporary consumer environment, the balance between health and indulgence is increasingly important. A new report from Innova Market Insights highlights the ice cream category’s growing focus on delivering pleasure without guilt.

Sugar reduction continues to be a primary topic in the wake of sugar's association with health conditions including obesity, diabetes and even oral health.

More than half of US adults claim they really enjoy cooking (53%) and more than one-third consider the kitchen to be the most important room in the home (35%), according to Packaged Facts’ report, “Eating Trends: Cooking & Food Shopping” Officials note these percentages have risen compared to a decade ago.

Tastewise leverages real-time insights of consumers’ motivations and preferences to help companies advance products and practices to meet the needs of today’s sustainability trends and anticipate emerging food trends.

Adults under age 40 are especially prone to value healthy, premium, and fresh foods, including organic produce and meat.

IRI examined how shopping behaviors and attitudes are affecting private label sales in its Q3 2019 Consumer Connect report, “Beyond Price, Consumers Find Value in Private Brands.”