© Shutterstock

Impact of the pandemic -

In 2020, many people went into a supermarket and couldn’t find something they needed (or wanted) for the first time in their lives.

© Getty Images

A new perspective -

Between the pandemic, economic recession, and global warming, the landscape for food consumption is changing.

© Getty Images

New habits -

Our eating and shopping habits have changed significantly this year, along with our physical and emotional needs.

© Shutterstock

Stockpiling concerns -

A survey from Acosta in the US concluded that 53% of Americans would stockpile groceries if another lockdown was imposed.

© Shutterstock

A new way of life -

The customer base of most supermarkets are now adults working from home, often tending to the needs of children who are either doing remote school or need to be homeschooled.

© Shutterstock

Time to get healthy -

On top of that, they’re trying to provide themselves and their families with a balanced healthy diet. The health fears this year have been a wake-up call to many of those who needed it.

© Shutterstock

We are what we eat - There is now a more widespread understanding of how the food we eat impacts our health and immune systems.

© Shutterstock

Prioritizing health -

Research shows that, generally, shoppers are increasingly prioritizing the health benefits of the foods they choose at the supermarket rather than taste and price.

© Shutterstock 

Plant-based diet -

A study in the US shows that a quarter of Americans are getting more protein from plant-based sources, as well as buying more plant-based dairy substitutes.

© Shutterstock

Confusion - GlobalData research shows that four out of 10 millennial consumers feel confused by the health information provided on product packaging at their local supermarkets.

© Shutterstock

Mixed messages -

We are constantly being told what’s good for us (antioxidants, superfoods, probiotics, etc.) and what’s bad for us (gluten, sugar, GMOs, and so on), but most people don’t really know what to make of all this information.

© Shutterstock

Focus on immunity -

Naturally, strengthening the immune system has also become a priority during these times.

© Shutterstock 

High priority - Research shows that immune health is rising in importance when it comes to choosing our food. It's matching concerns like weight management, heart health, energy, and digestion.

© Shutterstock

Immune-boosting trend -

Soon product labels will be touting the benefits of immunity-enhancing vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, D, and E and zinc.

© Getty Images 

Comfort food -

At the same time, many people have been turning to food for comfort and reassurance during these difficult times.

© Shutterstock

Searching for familiarity -

Many shoppers returned to familiar brands that have been around for a long time and that their families bought for generations, like Campbell's soups!

© Getty Images 

Brands that were declining in recent years -

These classic brands had been declining in recent years. Shoppers started choosing newer brands that offered more modern, innovative flavors and a healthier appearance.

© Shutterstock 

Old reliable -

The old traditional brands are suddenly seeing a comeback this year.

© Getty Images 

Snacking habits -

The International Food Information Council found that almost half of people under the age of 35 have been snacking more this year.

© Getty Images

Snacking habits -

With lockdowns and working from home, millennials are bored and closer to the fridge than they've ever been before!

© Shutterstock

Cook as a coping mechanism -

Another survey found that 74% of respondents believe cooking to be a successful stress-relieving activity during the pandemic.

© Shutterstock

Experimentation - Another 44% of respondents said they had learned a new recipe during the lockdown!

© Shutterstock

Less trips to the supermarket -

Before the pandemic, most people visited the supermarket an average of 2.3 times per week and spent approximately 20 minutes browsing the aisles each time.

© iStock

In and out -

Now we tend to visit the supermarket once a week and rush to get out as quickly as possible.

© Getty Images

Cutting back -

A massive 68% of consumers are cutting back on their food purchases due to concerns about money, rising food prices, and reducing waste.

© Shutterstock

Changing attitudes -

In the coming year, we can expect to see more plant-based products appearing on the market to satisfy the growing popularity of vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets.

© Getty Images 

Reducing meat and dairy - Flexitarianism is becoming more popular as a way to reduce meat and dairy products in the diet without completely restricting them.

© Shutterstock

Pandemic products -

Market experts are predicting our shelves will be filled with new products inspired by consumer changes in 2020, such as a wider variety of meat substitutions.

© Getty Images 

PepsiCo -

Another blossoming market is for relaxation products thanks to coronavirus anxiety! Even PepsiCo, a company built on caffeine and high-fructose corn syrup, have already released a new drink called "Driftwell." It contains relaxing ingredients such as L-theanine and magnesium.

© Reuters

Businesses profiting from coronavirus -

There's no doubt that our perspectives and habits are changing, and smart businesses will adapt to our new needs. Follow this link to find out which businesses are already profiting from the pandemic.

(Forbes) (Food Business News)

© Shutterstock