Coefficient Capital and The New Consumer worked with Toluna, Inc. to survey 3,500+ US consumers on shifting behaviors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, conducted in November 2020, asked consumers about their spending habits, consumption patterns and other behaviors related to food & beverage, fitness, alcohol and beauty.

Food and beverage companies nationwide are increasingly investing in plant-based meat alternatives to satiate growing consumer demand for protein not sourced from animals. But who exactly are the primary consumers of such products?

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.”