Don’t call it a comeback...
Ever since the start of the pandemic, quarantining and social distancing have led many Americans to eat like a kid again.
According to a new survey, feel-good, nostalgic comfort food has made perhaps the biggest comeback of all time.
That includes a spike in sales for such favorites as pizza (55%), hamburgers (48%), ice cream (46%), French fries (45%), mac and cheese (38%), spaghetti, and meatballs (32%) and others.
The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Farm Rich, examined the eating habits of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic and discovered that the average person is enjoying comfort meals at least five times a week and snacks six times.
And it’s not just Americans, every corner of the world has seen a spike in its own comfort food; something that its locals turn to after a bad day or when in need of a little pick-me-up.
Whether it is ramen, naan bread, wiener schnitzel, perogies, khichuri, or Quebec poutine— comfort food is now the number one type of food consumed worldwide.
And the number one type of comfort food is (drum roll please), Grilled Cheese!
Here are some quick facts from the study:
69% say they'll continue to enjoy the same amount of comfort food that they are now, post-pandemic.
41% reach for comfort food to bring happiness.
85% have gained a few pounds staying at home: an extra six pounds on average.
90% say their online and social searches for food inspiration have increased during the pandemic.
The comfort food meal everyone is most looking forward to enjoying at a restaurant post-pandemic is steak.
