Recession Shopping Habits Revealed

The current recession has impacted consumers eating behaviors in numerous ways. However, the downturn has not driven folks en masse back to scratch home cooking. Instead, people are seeking private label foods in increasing numbers. Microwave cooking is also on the riseperhaps a tradeoff for take-out mealsalthough consumers are, more often than not, simply heating precooked frozen foods.

Snacks, beer and convenience items like pancake mix are also among the foods showing legs during the current economic climate, while healthy foods, which can tend to cost more, have taken a hit.

However, as the economy improves, analysts suggest healthy, better-for-you foods are likely to see an upswing in sales, along with natural and organic foods and ready meals, among others.