Americans seeking dairy comfort foods amid pandemic
A recent OnePoll survey of 2,000 Americans adults aged 18+ was conducted to gain insight into how the pandemic has changed perspectives and ways they have been coping. The survey was carried out in conjunction with Castello Cheese, timed to National Hygge Day on 28 February.
Changing Perspectives
- 88% of Americans agree that the past year has given them a newfound appreciation for the simple things in life.
- To combat stressors, 89% are doing something that makes them happy daily.
- With 61% feeling they’ve exhausted their go-to ways to boost their moods, 2 out of 3 Americans are seeking new, unique ways to boost their spirits.
Comfort foods lead the way – especially cheese
- Americans – especially women – have been seeking comfort from food more than from friends, family, loungewear, exercise or wine
- More than half have been indulging more over the past year, with men choosing cheese as their favourite indulgence and women choosing ice cream.
- 2 out of 3 Americans believe that cheese is the ultimate comfort food.
This rings especially true among Gen Z and Millennials, with 70% saying it’s the ultimate comfort food.
o 1 out of 3 have enjoyed a cheeseboard this past year.
- Americans have been indulging in a wide variety of cheeses, including Havarti, Cheddar and Blue Cheese.
- Cheese is being enjoyed on its own and in meals, including grilled cheese and macaroni and cheese.
Mindfulness is becoming the norm
- 72% have been incorporating methods of mindfulness into their routines over the past year, including meditation, deep breathing exercises and more.
Men, more than women, are incorporating mindfulness practices at home.
- Nearly 1/3 of those not practicing mindfulness cite being too distracted or not being sure how to.
- 1 out of 3 Americans focused on mindfulness have been incorporating the Danish practice of hygge into their lives.
- Among mindfulness practices, more than 1/4 of Americans are interested in learning how to incorporate hygge.
Unbeknownst to them, Americans are already practicing hygge
- Although 60% of respondents stated they have never heard of the Danish practice of “hygge,” Americans have been incorporating the simple concept of comfort into their lives over the past year without realizing.
– Half of respondents are actively creating a cozy atmosphere at home. - 82% of Americans have actively been seeking out items of comfort in the past year.
– Comfort foods, quality time with loved ones and clothing are the top three ways respondents are incorporating comfort into their daily lives. - Men, more than women, are actively creating a comforting atmosphere at home and seeking items of comfort.
This is especially true among Gen Z consumers, with 100% doing so.
