When it comes to doing small things to save money, consumers are still acting cautiously — they’re not only brown-bagging their lunch instead of purchasing it, but they are also altering a variety of other behaviors for economic reasons.

According to a Harris Poll, almost half of respondents said they have been brown bagging it and eight percent have considered doing so in the previous six months. GenExers (aged 34-45 years) were more likely to bring their own lunch to work, with 56 percent saying they already do so or would consider it.

Other money-saving behaviors include one-third who have switched to refillable water bottles instead of purchasing water, and one in five who have stopped buying coffee in the morning. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) also say they have switched to generic brands in the past six months to save money, while 12 percent say they have considered doing so, the Harris Poll showed.

With these consumer trends, opportunities abound for food marketers to create portable, convenient and affordable food products that consumers can prepare at home and take with them to enjoy on-the-go.

Sources:
  • Harris Polls, "Americans Still Cutting Back on the Small Things to Save Money – Almost Two-Thirds Buying Generics and Almost Half Brown Bagging It," February 16, 2010, news.harrisinteractive.com
  • Mintel, "Food & Drink Launches Decline During 2009 Recession," January 2010, press release, www.mintel.com
SMART SALT CHOICES:
As a full-spectrum salt supplier, Cargill has the food processing salts needed to make great-tasting products — from breakfast breads, lunch meats and cheeses, to soups, snacks and more — for today's changing consumer needs.

Click here for more information