They say a silver lining can be found on even the darkest of clouds, and one which has appeared since the coronavirus restrictions is the increase in fresh fruit and vegetables being purchased from supermarkets. It seems that people are taking the opportunity to use this time to experiment with their meal choices and are opting for healthier options over pre-packaged meals and snacks.
Photo by Mor Shani on Unsplash
With the closure of cafes, restaurants and bars across the country, the most is being made out of the need to eat at home. Recent data out of the UK shows an increase in people purchasing frozen foods and canned goods, with 38% of respondents cooking more food from scratch, 93% increase in flour sales and 33% are throwing away less food since the pandemic broke.
American research also suggests a shift in food and dining out habits for the better, with 38% of people reducing the amount of money they were spending on take away and delivery meals.
“It’s possible that a shift toward home cooking, if it persists, could eventually lead to reductions in chronic diet-related illnesses, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and obesity.”
Back home however, changes in behaviour towards food are also being noticed by supermarket chains. Brad Banducci, CEO of Woolworths Group revealed some positive data that has emerged since the quarantine hit Aussie communities.
With Winter fast approaching, hearty meals like stews and soups will be on the menu for many Aussie families, with evidence of this already coming to light with spice staples flying off the shelves.
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“Ingredients such as cardamom, saffron and dried sesame seeds have doubled in sales. Roasted peppers are up 65%, Asian and hot chilli sauces are both up 40% and capers are up 35%.”
And our behaviours aren’t just changing in relation to the foods we’re eating, but also our overall health and well being with supplements increasing in sales, and over the counter cold and flu medications decreasing.
“It’s also interesting to see customers think about their health, with a big rise in vitamin sales, plus ground ginger and turmeric sales up 120% and sauerkraut up 76%. On a related topic, sales of cough and cold products are much lower this year compared to last year.”
While COVID-19 has halted much of 2020, it is comforting to see Aussies, and the rest of the world embrace what they can during this time. With the data as proof, people are taking the time to stop and adjust their habits to fit around the new normal of life and making positive, healthy changes to their behaviours that will continue long after the isolation is lifted.
If you’ve been wanting to get into home cooking with your family during this time, check out Kids Kitchen.
References:
- McCarthy, D. (2020, April 27). Home cooking means healthier eating – there’s an opportunity to change food habits for good. Retrieved from The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/home-cooking-means-healthier-eating-theres-an-opportunity-to-change-food-habits-for-good-136881
- Food, Farming and Countryside Commission . (2020, April 7-9). The Road to Renewal. Retrieved from Food, Farming and Countryside Commission : https://roadtorenewal.co.uk/research/
- Oaklander, M. (2020, April 28). Our Diets Are Changing Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Is It for the Better? Retrieved from Time: https://time.com/5827315/coronavirus-diet/
- Banducci, B. (2020, May 8). Being Better Together in the New Normal. Retrieved from Woolworths: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/ceo-update
