Proof – America is Turning to Comfort Foods
More Americans Want Comfort Foods: Here’s How We Can Help
People around the country are now staying home and social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, and many have stocked up with several weeks of food. According to a March 26 survey by IRI Worldwide:
- 70% of consumers are now staying home (compared to 43% the week before)
- 56% are eating at home more rather than at a restaurant (vs. 32% the week before)
- 43% are limiting trips to the store by stocking up
Retail sales data from IRI Worldwide and Nielsen suggests comfort foods and treats were in many shopping baskets. Soups, breakfast foods, cookies, pretzels and potato chips all saw sales surge during the four-week period ending March 8.
Pork also ranks high on the list of comfort food options for many consumers. Our Insight to Action data found that among pork buyers, 43% rate pork chops, 37% rate pork roast and 27% rate ham as good comfort foods. According to our Insight to Action research, consumers said that delicious taste, filling and good comfort food were pork’s top attributes.
So, what can retailers do to help consumers bring tasty comfort foods to the dinner table?
Showcase hearty recipes for the Instant Pot or slow cooker.
Roasts, stews, carnitas and pulled pork are all easy to set in the Instant Pot or slow cooker in the morning for a comforting dinner in the evening. This is especially helpful for families balancing work-from-home life with home-schooling. Already, 85% of consumers own a slow cooker, while 15% own a multi-cooker. Retailers should feature cuts that work well slow or pressured cooked, like ribs, shoulder and tenderloin.
Don’t forget about breakfast.
Most consumers are eating all their meals and snacks at home these days, and a comforting breakfast is a great way to start the day. Bacon is a comfort food favorite and it doesn’t just have to be eaten on the side of eggs. It can be added to a breakfast sandwich, an egg and potatoes skillet, a breakfast quiche, as a topper for waffles, or a bacon breakfast pizza. Breakfast sausage could be incorporated into a delicious and hearty breakfast burrito or an egg scramble.
Highlight recipes for comforting dinners that can become the next day’s lunch.
A delicious ham dinner can make the next day’s (or more) tasty sandwiches. Leftover roast and vegetables can be transformed into a classic stew. One comfort food option can easily stretch across several meals with larger fresh cuts.
