After a year of sluggish economic growth in 2013, it is no surprise that consumers are beginning the new year with a conservative outlook.

Some shopper segments appear to be increasing their acceptance of private label, with more than a third of shoppers still saying that they are buying more private-label brands than last year.

A majority say they will tighten their belts and make smarter decisions when purchasing food.

Zagat has completed its first survey to delve into the coffee-drinking habits of American consumers; they’ve discovered that even in the worst of the economic crisis, coffee lovers are loathe to sacrifice their beany brew.

With the economy recovering from the recession, some consumers are purchasing retailer meal solutions (RMS) less often than they did just two years ago.

Bad news about the economy could cause people to pack on the pounds.