Americans desire food indulgence, and despite health concerns, some consumers don't mind if sugar is a part of indulgent consumption. Due to the impact of COVID-19, consumers stockpiled food, and many turned to familiar, comforting (and sugary) foods.

Times change, and so do consumers’ tastes. After all, there’s a reason the phrase “flavor of the month” exists. Capturing interest, and the harder job of holding onto it, is a constant challenge for food and beverage producers. 

There's no denying the swift consumer interest in CBD food, beverage and foodservice items in the past year.

As coronavirus spreads nationwide, a recent survey by First Insight found that news of the virus is impacting the shopping behavior of 75% of respondents, up from 45% (a 70% increase) when comparing to a survey fielded in late February. The survey by First Insight, Inc., a leading technology company transforming how retailers make product investment and pricing decisions, also pointed to significant swings in behavior by women and Baby Boomers over the last three weeks. 

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

In findings from the EcoFocus Worldwide 2019 US Trends Survey, millennials put a significantly higher priority on sustainability than have the generations before them.

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

“Each year, our team of registered dietitians, nutrition experts and consumer researchers takes a look at what we can expect in the coming year,” Joseph Clayton, president and CEO, said in a statement. “In 2020, we predict that topics surrounding sustainability, alternative foods and healthy diets will move in some unexpected directions.”

Millennials, born 1981-1996, are the top consumers of plant-based meat alternatives, finds the NPD study. This generational group has adopted plant-based meat alternatives as a way to indulge sensibly, while addressing long-term health goals and animal treatment concerns.

One trend that emerged from the survey is that of "better informed purchasing decisions." A majority of millennials want to know where their food comes from and how it is sourced. Transparency in food sourcing is important to more than 65% of millennials, particularly for fresh meat and seafood.