How Pandemic Changed Our Eating Habits
There’s hardly any aspect of our lives left untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Our dietary habits are no exception. Luckily, many changes in what, where, and how we eat have turned out to be quite beneficial to us.
Home-cooked meals
A positive shift in eating habits is especially visible in urban populations. Pre-COVID, city dwellers frequently opted for fast food and eating out, compared to people living in rural areas. According to a survey by the International Food Information Council, about **60%** of US adults cook at home than o before the lockdowns started.
Data released by The Hartman Group reports that “reduced reliance on restaurants has not led to an increased reliance on ready-to-eat options but instead has led to an increased engagement in cooking. Because of COVID-19, consumers are far more often looking for new recipes to try, learning new cooking techniques and doing more batch cooking.”
The home-cooking enthusiasm found a reflection on video platforms like YouTube and social media. Perhaps, you were seduced by the idea of baking your bread this spring.
Healthy eating trends
To boost the immune system, around **20%** of Americans started making healthier food choices, a recent survey reports. Not surprisingly, this trend is global. A study conducted in the UK showed **23%** of participants began eating more fruit and vegetables as the pandemic started. Other findings show people also eat less fried foods, sugar, and salts to promote good health.
There’s also a rise in adherence to vegetarian and vegan diets. Though, the economic reasons here might be as strong as people’s desire to become healthier. For example, the CEO of Wyler Tofu believes there’s a “sharp rise” in tofu sales during the pandemic because tofu is a cheaper alternative to animal protein.
Buying food directly from farmers
Before the pandemic, it was mostly the restaurants that farmers supplied with their produce. When the stay-at-home orders are announced, consumers have turned to the farmers who started to deliver their fresh and tasty foods.
There’s also an increased demand for organic produce. For instance, Italy’s study showed a **15%** increase in people buying farmers or organic fruits and vegetables. There is a chance consumers will continue with these positive habits after the pandemic is over, researchers hope.
Sources:
COVID-19 and nutrition: How the pandemic induced a much-awaited behavioural change
COVID-19 Changes Eating Habits & Food Priorities
Consumer eating habits continue changing during pandemic
Eating habits and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 lockdown: an Italian survey
The ups and downs of eating habits during the coronavirus crisis