Serving up well-being during mealtime in 2020 and beyond

Serving up
well‑being
during mealtime
in 2020 and
beyond

Get to know the food trends brands should be prepared for in 2021.

Mealtime changed
a lot last year

Most people went online to make those changes, …

… whether it was about convenience …

… or the feeling of comfort

While some consumer habits may only last during the pandemic, …

… two key trends are beneficial enough to stick around

01

Reliance on
digital and
nearby options

When choosing a restaurant, people increasingly prioritized proximity and location.

But many customers also turned to online and mobile platforms for services, like ordering, pickup, and delivery, for the very first time.

Grocery brands offered safe delivery and pickup through digital, while restaurants and QSRs used mobile for a more seamless experience. These services will stay popular as brands continue to invest in digital.

Online shoppers, who are more intentional with their grocery shopping, will continue to benefit.

02

Focus on
self-care

Now that the initial stress … is over, I’m eating better than ever because I have the time to cook properly. I’m really trying to focus on that.

— Shopper

The indulgence phase is over, and many people are trying to come out of the pandemic healthier than ever.

But these healthy choices aren’t about counting calories.

Instead, people are practicing mindful eating to help their physical — and mental — well-being.

Tools and resources to help your business take action

BY ASHLEY JOHNSON CHIN

Marketing Manager, Search Ads & Local Marketing

Credits

Copy & Design: Grow (Agency); Product Lead: Casey Fictum; Production Lead: Jenny Maughan.

Sources

1.
Google/LRW, A Material Company, U.S., COVID-19’s Impact on Food and Beverage Habits Research Tracker, n=5,262 U.S. 18+ consumers, July 2020.
2.
Google/LRW, A Material Company, U.S., COVID-19’s Impact on Food and Beverage Habits Research Tracker, n=3,314 U.S. 18–74 consumers who changed a qualifying behavior from at least one of the 11 categories, July 2020.
3.
Google/LRW, A Material Company, U.S., COVID-19’s Impact on Food and Beverage Habits Research Tracker, n=3,314 U.S. 18–74 consumers who changed a qualifying behavior from at least one of the 11 categories, July 2020.
4.
Google Data, Global English, Nov. 8, 2020–Dec. 6, 2020 vs. Nov. 8, 2019–Dec. 6, 2019.
5.
Google/LRW, A Material Company, U.S., COVID-19’s Impact on Food and Beverage Habits Research Tracker, n=2,712 U.S. 18–74 consumers who changed a qualifying behavior from at least one of the restaurant, retail, snack, or non-snack categories, July 2020.
6.
Google Data, Global English, Feb. 26, 2020–April 25, 2020 vs. Feb. 25, 2019–April 25, 2019.
7.
Google/LRW, U.S., A Material Company, COVID-19’s Impact on Food and Beverage Habits Research Tracker, U.S., n=5,262 U.S. 18+ consumers, July 2020.
8.
Google/LRW, A Material Company, U.S., COVID-19’s Impact on Food and Beverage Habits Research Tracker, n=366 U.S. 18–74 consumers who changed a retail delivery or pickup behavior, July 2020.
9.
Google Data, Global English, Nov. 8, 2020–Dec. 6, 2020 vs. Nov. 8, 2019–Dec. 6, 2019.
10.
Google/LRW, A Material Company, U.S., COVID-19’s Impact on Food and Beverage Habits Research Tracker, n=3,314 U.S. 18–74 consumers who changed a qualifying behavior from at least one of the 11 categories, July 2020.