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Consumer Behavior

Most Popular Fast-Food Chain Revealed For NY, Beyond Most Popular Fast-Food Chain Revealed For NY, Beyond
Most Popular Fast-Food Chain Revealed For NY, Beyond Craving burgers, fries, or fried chicken? A new study reveals the biggest fast-food chain in every state, and the rankings might surprise you. Tasting Table analyzed the most popular and widespread fast-food brands across the country, highlighting the go-to spots from coast to coast. The research ranks each state’s top chain based on store count and popularity. Here’s how the Northeast shakes out: New York: McDonald's  New Jersey: Dunkin’ Connecticut: Dunkin’ Pennsylvania: McDonald’s Massachusetts: Dunkin’ Maryland: McDonald’s Virginia: Chick-fil-A Accor…
Chipotle's Newest Menu Items Lean Into Protein-Focused Diets Chipotle's Newest Menu Items Lean Into Protein-Focused Diets
Chipotle's Newest Menu Items Lean Into Protein-Focused Diets A popular fast-casual restaurant chain is the latest to join the protein craze. Chipotle Mexican Grill unveiled its first-ever "High Protein Menu" on Thursday, Dec. 18. Debuting at North American locations on Tuesday, Dec. 23, the menu will offer a new snack-sized protein cup and several high-protein entrees. The new menu items range from 15 to 81 grams of protein per serving.  "For years, guests have used Chipotle's customizable offerings to build high-protein and fiber-filled meals on their own," said chief brand officer Chris Brandt. "This curated menu brings that fa…
Grocery Shoppers Charged More In Secret Price Tests On Instacart, Investigation Finds Grocery Shoppers Charged More In Secret Price Tests On Instacart, Investigation Finds
Grocery Shoppers Charged More In Secret Price Tests On Instacart, Investigation Finds Instacart users across the country may be paying more for the same groceries because of secret price tests powered by artificial intelligence, according to a new study. Consumer Reports released its findings from a monthslong investigation into dynamic pricing algorithms on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The probe was done in partnership with advocacy nonprofits More Perfect Union and Groundwork Collaborative. The study found that AI-enabled systems raised the prices on some identical products by up to 23% between two shoppers. CR discovered that AI pricing experiments were used by Instacart at seve…
These Gift Cards Offer Best Value For Holiday Shoppers, New Study Finds These Gift Cards Offer Best Value For Holiday Shoppers, New Study Finds
These Gift Cards Offer Best Value For Holiday Shoppers, New Study Finds If you're looking to give someone a gift card for the holidays, some options are more valuable than others, according to a new study. WalletHub released its list of 2025's best gift cards on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The personal finance website compared 50 of the most popular gift cards to find the top choices for the holiday season. The cards were graded on popularity, discounts, resale value, retailer ratings, and shipping fees. "Gift cards are supposed to make gift-giving simpler, reducing the need to worry about the recipient's tastes or which specific items he or she might already hav…
Here's Why Shoppers Turn Into 'Product Detectives' Here's Why Shoppers Turn Into 'Product Detectives'
Here's Why Shoppers Turn Into 'Product Detectives' From the coffee maker to the checkout line, more Americans are hitting pause before they choose. In findings released Tuesday, Sept. 2, a national survey of 2,000 US adults by Talker Research for Traditional Medicinals explores how often people second-guess daily choices and why shopping aisles can feel like obstacle courses. The study reports the average person makes about 50 decisions a day and second-guesses a large share of them. One in eight describe themselves as heavy overthinkers who scrutinize nearly every choice.  Roughly one quarter say simple decisions often feel stressful…
Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why
Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why As Apple rolls out its new iPhone 17 lineup, nearly six in 10 Americans say they won't be upgrading because of President Donald Trump's tariffs and rising costs. WalletHub said that 59% of people in the US will skip buying a new phone in 2025 due to Trump's tariffs and inflation, according to a survey released on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The findings came on the same day Apple unveiled its new generation of devices, including the thinnest iPhone ever. Preordering for all iPhone 17 models began on Friday, Sept. 12, and the smartphones will be officially released on Friday, Sept. 19. "When day…
Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows
Snack Wrap Hype Boosts McDonald's Sales After Slump, New Data Shows The return of the McDonald's Snack Wrap has spiced things up for the chain after it suffered a sharp sales decline as Americans cut back on restaurant spending. The snack wrap returned to US menus on Thursday, July 10. On that day, McDonald's saw a 15% jump in foot traffic compared to an average day in 2025, and an 11.4% jump compared to a typical Thursday, according to Placer.ai. The surge continued into the weekend, with a 22.3% traffic rise on Friday, July 11, compared to an average 2025 day. "After nine years of pent-up demand, fans showed up in full force to celebrate the re…
M&M's, Skittles Reportedly Resisting Push To End Artificial Food Dye Use: Here's Why M&M's, Skittles Reportedly Resisting Push To End Artificial Food Dye Use: Here's Why
M&M's, Skittles Reportedly Resisting Push To End Artificial Food Dye Use: Here's Why One of the nation's largest candy makers is pushing back on a years-long effort to remove artificial food dyes from its products, according to reports. Mars, the McLean, Virginia-based company behind popular candies like M&M's, is resisting the federal government's effort to remove synthetic food colorings, The New York Times reported on Monday, July 7. This comes as more than a dozen food giants like Kraft Heinz, General Mills, PepsiCo, ConAgra, and Nestlé have agreed to eliminate the artificial dyes from their US products by the end of 2027. Federal agencies have tried for y…
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits
Why Are Americans Dining Out Less? A Closer Look At Changing Habits Rising costs and shifting priorities are reshaping how Americans approach dining out.  Reports reveal a notable decline in restaurant visits, particularly among middle-class families and younger generations. Here are key factor driving the decline: Rising Menu Prices: Inflation has notably driven up the cost of dining out significantly. According to Yahoo Finance’s “6 Reasons the Middle Class Can’t Afford To Dine Out Anymore,” soaring food prices have left many consumers rethinking their restaurant habits. Economic Pressures: Broader inflationary trends are squeezing househo…
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada
Costco Raising Membership Fees In US, Canada The Costco Wholesale Corporation has announced membership hikes in the US and Canada for the first time in seven years, according to a news release by the company issued on Wednesday, July 10.  Costco opened the release sharing a June sales growth in the US of 5.6%, which is higher than the past 44 weeks of just 4.4%, the company experienced a decrease in revenue internationally.  On the heels of sharing that news, the company made the announcement about raising the membership fees in both the US and Canada beginning Sept. 1.  Annual memberships are rising $5 making them $65…
McDonald's To Launch Value Meal Deal: Here's When It Starts McDonald's To Launch Value Meal Deal: Here's When It Starts
McDonald's To Launch Value Meal Deal: Here's When It Starts McDonald's plans to offer a $5 value meal to lure back dollar-conscious customers. The one-month promotion starts on Tuesday, June 25, according to CNBC, which first reported the news. It will include a McChicken or McDouble sandwich, four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink, the outlet reports. "We know how much it means to our customers when McDonald's offers meaningful value and communicates it through national advertising," McDonald's said in a statement to CNBC.  "That's been true since our very beginning and never more important than it is today." Click here to read …
COVID-19: Costco Puts New Limits On Purchases Of Toilet Paper, Some Other Items COVID-19: Costco Puts New Limits On Purchases Of Toilet Paper, Some Other Items
Covid-19: Costco Puts New Limits On Purchases Of Toilet Paper, Some Other Items Costco is set to implement new limits on purchasing products such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies. The decision was made in part due to supply chain issues such as truck and driver shortages and shipping delays, according to a report from CNN. These issues have caused stores to have trouble getting products onto shelves. Related - COVID-19: Supply-Chain Issues Causing Shortages Of Items At Supermarkets, Other Retailers CNBC reported that purchasing limitations will be implemented on items including paper towels, toilet paper, bottled water and certain cleaning products. While …
COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Ordering Takeout To Help Small Businesses COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Ordering Takeout To Help Small Businesses
Covid-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Ordering Takeout To Help Small Businesses The majority of Americans have been taking steps to support the local businesses that have been hit the hardest during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a new survey. Pollsters surveyed 1,036 Americans around the country over several days, which determined that 76 percent of Americans said they are more likely to buy from a local business than a larger big-box store. Of those polled, 74 percent said they were supporting the small business community by ordering more takeout during the pandemic.  The survey found that 47 percent find themselves supporting small bus…
COVID-19: Most Still Visit Stores To Buy Groceries Rather Than Ordering Online, Survey Reveals COVID-19: Most Still Visit Stores To Buy Groceries Rather Than Ordering Online, Survey Reveals
Covid-19: Most Still Visit Stores To Buy Groceries Rather Than Ordering Online, Survey Reveals The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hasn’t kept food shoppers from heading to their local grocery stores, according to a new study. A newly released Harris Interactive/Toluna survey found that 70 percent of consumers are still buying their groceries in person, rather than utilizing online delivery options. In total, 1,047 people were polled between Thursday, April 9 and Monday, April 14. The survey also found that the most popular purchases on their shopping list are frozen food (cited by 65 percent), cleaning products (56 percent) and toilet paper (53 percent). According to pollst…
COVID-19: These Are Top Five Foods For Panic Buyers COVID-19: These Are Top Five Foods For Panic Buyers
Covid-19: These Are Top Five Foods For Panic Buyers We all know panic buying has caused stores to sell out of certain staples, such as toilet paper, during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But what food items are now most in demand? According to Nielsen, compared to a year ago, these food items have seen the biggest increases in sales amid the outbreak: Oat milk, up 476.7 percent Dried beans, up 230.5 percent Canned meat, up 187.8 percent Popcorn, up 47.7 percent Eggs, up 44 percent Canned meat, including SPAM, and dried beans are favorites because they can last for months. Nutritionists recommend keeping your freezer and pantry…
In Person Or Online? How Do You Get Groceries? Survey Shows Public's Choice In Person Or Online? How Do You Get Groceries? Survey Shows Public's Choice
In Person Or Online? How Do You Get Groceries? Survey Shows Public's Choice Online shopping for food and beverages? Most consumers are not ready to do that yet, according to a survey by Morning Consult.  Of the 2,000 American adult shoppers polled, more than two-thirds (67 percent) have never purchased packaged food or beverage products online, the e-survey and market research firm said in its “Consumer Insights On The Food and Beverage Industry” report. Meanwhile, 65 percent of those who have never bought groceries online indicated that they have no interest in doing so in the future, according to this report by supermarketnews.com Sixty-five percent of people who…
Most Will Buy Groceries Online By 2024, Report Says Most Will Buy Groceries Online By 2024, Report Says
Most Will Buy Groceries Online By 2024, Report Says Grocery lists, frozen food aisles and produce sections may soon be a thing of the past, according to a new report, which states that consumers are continuing a nationwide trend of going digital to purchase groceries. Food Marketing Institute is reporting that as many as 70 percent of consumers will be buying their groceries online as soon as 2024, with Americans spending as much as $100 billion - $850 per household - annually purchasing food over the Internet. Last year, FMI predicted that digital food retailing would reach saturation in the next decade, but “2017 was a year of disruption.”…