High food prices are taking a bite out of American budgets. 

Online grocery sales exceeded the $34 billion mark in 2021. While the $34 billion accounts for only 9.5% of the total grocery market, that market share is expected to double by 2026.

After all, the web-based grocery market is growing at a rate nearly ten times that of the overall grocery industry. And, that disparity should only continue to grow as stores add same-day pickup for online orders and online merchants ramp up same-day delivery.

America is busy, hungry, and looking for a moment of peace and comfort. And the data shows that snacking is the perfect affordable little break in a hectic day.

We dove into four major recent studies about the state of snacking in the United States in 2022, and have brought you insights about the past, present, and likely future of packaged snack foods.

Learn what America is snacking on, when they’re snacking, and where they’re buying those snacks.

Everyone knows the importance of product sampling, that’s hardly news. However, a glut of new reports and studies have revealed that Gen Z not only loves sampling, but it plays a large part in why they shop where they shop. Product sampling also has a huge effect on what they buy. 

We all know that consumers are always looking for new… new flavors, new innovations, and new brands. According to the latest research into 2022 food trends, flavor, function, and sustainability are driving beverage innovation. Here are five key trends we’re seeing in the market.

A 2021 PwC consumer poll across 22 countries found that more than half of consumers have become more eco-friendly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a society, we’re increasingly aware of the devastating effects storms, wildfires, and drought have on our everyday lives. We know we need to make changes; however, many people just don’t know where to start. A recent study from Brands for Good found that 41% of Americans were unsure how to live more sustainably. That’s where brands can help – through education, inspiration, and products that make it easy for consumers to take baby steps to a more sustainable future.

After two years of pandemic purchasing , tangible hands-on sampling is gearing-up to enhance the consumer buying experience. 

The growth of online grocery shopping throughout the pandemic reminded brands that it’s time to invest in online customer experiences. Read Jeff Snyder’s article in Food Dive on how to reintroduce sampling to the post-pandemic consumer. Read the full article here.

Did you know that Inspira creates compelling custom content for our clients? To kick off St. Patrick's Day, Inspira's Diageo Beer Company team developed this internal video to rally Diageo's Guinness crew and remind them how they - and the brand - persevered over the past two years.  

Long before the pandemic, consumers were shifting toward healthier and better-for-you food and beverage options. Beyond the health benefits, they began to prioritize ethical and environmental impact and increasingly wanted transparency about how the foods were sourced, produced, and packaged. Similarly, consumers are demanding more from brands themselves – more transparency, diversity, and innovation. And, they expect a seamless experience from the moment they discover your brand on social media to engagement in-store. What else do you need to know about this consumer? Here are ten facts about natural and organic products consumers to get you started.