How hard did COVID-19 affect our eating habits?

Of all the industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the food and beverage industry was among the hardest hit. With restaurants forced to close their doors and consumers stockpiling groceries, the landscape of the food and beverage industry has been irrevocably changed. 

 

While the pandemic has had a significant impact on many aspects of our lives, one of the most notable changes has been in our eating habits. In response to the pandemic, many restaurants have had to adapt their menus to offer more covid-safe options. As a result, we’ve seen a surge in popularity for items like delivery and takeout, as well as outdoor dining. We’ve also seen a shift towards more plant-based and healthy options, as people are looking to boost their immune systems. And with vaccines now available, we’re likely to see even more changes in the coming year. So whether you’re looking for a new place to try or just curious about the latest trends, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting trends in the food and beverage industry in 2022.

 

Take-out and deliveries

 

Before the pandemic, take-out and delivery were popular for busy families and people who didn’t want to cook. But when COVID-19 hit, take-out and delivery became even more popular for a few reasons. First, people were suddenly home all the time and cooking every meal became tedious. Take-out and delivery offered a break from cooking and a chance to try new things. Second, many restaurants were forced to close their dining rooms, so take-out and delivery were the only way to support favorite businesses. Finally, with everyone staying home, there was less need for eating out as a social activity. Delivery offered a convenient way to get food without leaving the house. For these reasons, take-out and delivery will likely continue to be popular even after the pandemic is over.

 

Alcohol-Free Beverages

 

Alcohol free beverages have been on the rise in popularity even before COVID-19 hit. With people becoming more health conscious and wanting to cut down on their alcohol intake, companies have been quick to provide more non-alcoholic options. And with the recent pandemic, there has been an even greater demand for these types of drinks. Many people are avoiding bars and restaurants, and instead opting to drink at home. This has led to a boom in the sales of alcohol free beverages, as people are looking for alternatives to alcohol that are still enjoyable and safe to consume. So whether you’re looking to cut down on your alcohol intake or simply want to avoid crowded bars and restaurants, non-alcoholic beverages are a great option that is sure to please everyone.

And don’t forget, you’re able to see how brands are performing, like the US soft drink industry, with our BAM™ mobile app for both iOS and Android!

Healthier Alternatives 

 

With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, many of us are cooking at home more than ever before. And while it’s easy to resort to junk food when we’re stuck indoors, there are plenty of healthy alternatives that can be just as satisfying. Yoghurt, for example, is a great source of protein and calcium, and it can be easily flavored with fruit or honey. Hummus is another delicious and nutritious option, full of healthy fats and fiber. If you’re craving something crunchy, popcorn is a great choice – just be sure to go easy on the salt and butter. And of course, no list of healthy snacks would be complete without avocado. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this versatile fruit can be used in everything from sandwiches to smoothies. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, reach for one of these healthier options instead.

Healthy Desserts

 

Desserts with healthier ingredients have become popular during COVID-19 for a variety of reasons. For one, honey and fruit make excellent substitutes for sugar, which can be hard to come by during a pandemic. Peanut butter is also a great source of protein and healthy fats, making it a perfect addition to any dessert. Additionally, these ingredients are often more affordable than traditional sugar-based desserts. This is especially important during times of economic hardship, like with the high inflation rates present this year, forcing families to tighten their budgets. Finally, desserts with healthier ingredients tend to be more filling than their sugary counterparts, meaning that you’re less likely to overeat. So if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious dessert option, consider using honey, fruit, or peanut butter in your next recipe.

 

Home-made Bread

 

For most of us, bread is a staple food. It’s something we eat every day, and we usually don’t give it much thought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, bread suddenly became a hot commodity. Bakeries were sold out of bread, and people were frantically searching for recipes online. So why did bread become so popular during the pandemic? There are a few possible explanations. First, baking bread is a way to pass the time when you’re stuck at home. It’s also a way to create something tangible and edible during a time when so many things feel out of our control. Additionally, making bread from scratch is a way to connect with our ancestors and create something nourishing and sustaining. In a time of uncertainty, bread provides us with comfort and connection.

 

Shopping Locally

 

Shopping locally has always been a great way to support businesses in the community, but it became even more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the main reasons for this is that people were looking for ways to avoid crowded places like shopping malls. Shopping at local businesses means that you can generally avoid large crowds, and you’re also more likely to find items that are in stock since these businesses tend to have smaller inventories. In addition, many people began to appreciate the personal touch that comes with shopping at a local business. When you shop at a big box store, it can be easy to feel like just another number. But when you shop locally, the owners and employees usually take the time to get to know you and your family. This personal touch can make a big difference, especially during tough times like we’ve been experiencing lately. So next time you need to do some shopping, consider supporting your local businesses!

 

Outdoor Dining

 

One silver lining of the pandemic has been the resurgence of outdoor dining. After months of being cooped up indoors, people were eager to enjoy warm weather and get out of the house. Outdoor dining also provides a sense of normalcy and allows people to socialize in a safe way. Additionally, it gives restaurants a chance to increase their capacity, which is essential for survival during these tough economic times. So next time you’re looking for a place to eat, consider patronizing one of your local outdoor dining establishments. Not only will you be supporting a small business, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the fresh air and good company.

 

Plant-based Foods

 

As the world slowly winds down from the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are rethinking their diets. One of the most popular trends is plant-based eating. Plant-based foods are not only environmentally friendly, but they also offer a number of health benefits. For example, they are typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than animal-based foods. They also tend to be high in fibre, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. In addition, plant-based foods are often rich in vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent way to boost your immune system. 

 

Sustainable Packaging

 

In recent years, sustainable packaging has become increasingly popular as consumers become more environmentally conscious. However, sustainable packaging really came into its own during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people became more aware of the importance of hygiene, they began to look for ways to reduce their germ exposure. Sustainable packaging, which is often made from recycled materials and is therefore easier to clean and disinfect, became a popular choice for products that needed to be kept clean and safe. In addition, sustainable packaging is often made from compostable or biodegradable materials, which means that it can be safely disposed of without harming the environment. As a result, sustainable packaging is likely to remain popular.

 

Conclusion

 

Food and beverage trends come and go, but some seem to have more staying power than others. For instance, plant-based diets are becoming more popular as people become more conscious of the impact their eating habits have on the environment. Even though we’re sunsetting the challenges of the pandemic, it’s likely that delivery and takeaway options will continue to grow in popularity too. Whatever the future may hold, one thing is certain: food and drink will always be an essential part of our lives. So, whatever trends come and go, make sure to enjoy them all!