CHICAGO — Mintel reports that certain grocery categories are thriving thanks to recessionary woes that have forced Americans to eat at home.
Among them is bread. Originally predicted to grow 2.1% in 2008, sales of everything from breakfast bagels to lunchtime sandwich bread and dinner rolls have pushed recent sales to 7%.
A renewed interest in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is also evident. Mintel projects that peanut butter, an inexpensive source of protein, will drive sweet spread sales to increase 26% from 2008 to 2013.
“As consumers spend less and stay in more, certain food markets are benefiting,” said Bill Patterson, senior analyst at Mintel, in a statement. “These recession-proof, or rather recession-fueled industries are destined to do well throughout the economic downturn.”
Among the other categories that are doing well:
Frozen meals: Mintel expects a sales increase of 4.5% in the convenience category.
Side dishes: Ready-prepared side dishes like macaroni and cheese drove category sales by 5%.
Coffee: A 6% sales increase is attributed to more consumers making coffee at home.
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