Pandemic food trends are set to stay, research finds

A survey by supermarket cashback app Shopmium shows 22% of consumers said they do not plan to eat at a pub or restaurant when they open, 46% said they only plan to eat at a restaurant once or twice a month, and 48% of respondents said they do not even plan to visit beer gardens when they open.

The poll found 19% of 25-34-year-olds and 28% of 35-44-year-olds, say they will not eat in a pub or restaurant when they open. The survey finds there is no difference in opinion based on those who have had the vaccine and those who have not.

However, the research shows meeting people outdoors in parks and gardens is something that 79% of people plan to take advantage of and this is the same across all age categories. Many consumers are already planning purchases for outdoor eating and drinking with 65% anticipating they will buy more savoury snacks such as crisps, 58% more soft drinks, and 49% more fresh snacks such as hummus, cheeses and cold meats. Barbeques are also on the public’s mind, with 47% of people planning to buy BBQ ingredients and 46% alcohol for outdoor social occasions.

In addition, the survey finds the trend for home cooking is set to continue, along with advanced meal planning. The poll shows that 87% of Brits now write or partially plan a shopping list before visiting the supermarket, but 80% of these people are open to being swayed or picking up additional products in store. Websites, social media channels and shopping content providers are the biggest sources of inspiration for consumers, with digital inspiration sought out more via younger age groups.

Consumers are moving back to grocery shopping trips in line with last summer, with more frequent trips and to more stores – 75% are now visiting at least two or more different stores every week – and only 3% of consumers do not make a weekly trip to a supermarket compared to 14% in the first lockdown.

With the ‘stay at home’ restriction removed, 31% of the population now plan to travel to work five days a week, but 61% will bring food from home rather than buy lunch on the go. Just 16% said they’ll purchase lunch items from supermarkets and 10% said they will visit a food outlet or cafe.

Shopmium’s UK head, Stuart Sankey, said: “What’s clear is that value for money is vital to most consumers, particularly given many have seen a reduction to their income since the pandemic started. Shoppers tell us they are actively looking for promotions on shelves and on apps before visiting the supermarket with discounts on branded products cited as one of the most likely reasons to buy. Brands therefore need to take heed and look to promote the types of products consumers are actively searching for – picnic and barbeque food, and ingredients for home cooking and weekday lunch boxes.

“With the majority of Brits planning to continue doing the bulk of their eating from home – food and drinks brands have a real opportunity here to catch consumer attention and build brand awareness before we see a real return to restaurants and pubs.”

Meanwhile, the research reveals 24% of respondents said they have booked or planned a holiday, but 32% said they are waiting to see how things pan out first, and 31% said they don’t anticipate they’ll be taking a holiday this year. For those that have booked a trip the majority, 58% said they would be holidaying in the UK.