Are consumers once again shifting from restaurant to retail food?

Consumers may return to more cooking at home as they did earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, predicts Side Delights, a Newport Beach, Calif.-based producer of potatoes and onions, which recently shared data that suggests global economic and supply chain concerns are causing consumers to shift from restaurants to retailers in search of foods to prepare at home that provide value and nutritional benefits.  

With fears of a possible recession looming and inflation driving up prices, multiple factors are affecting the global supply chain, and the cost of food is up 10% over a year ago, Side Delights said in a release, citing CBS News. Additionally, gas prices have risen 50% over a year ago, which gives people another reason to cook at home.

Side Delights further points to a Today Show segment on June 22, Tips to Fight Inflation in the Kitchen, which reported that 61% of consumers had pulled back on restaurants and delivery in the past six months. Inflation-fighting shopping tips from Today included purchasing plant-based foods.

“As America’s No. 1 favorite vegetable, ounce for ounce, potatoes pack more nutrition for the dollar than any other fresh produce item. Their versatility means more options — mashed, baked, roasted, saute, etc. — per bag to keep meals exciting,” said Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, the exclusive supplier of Side Delights potatoes and onions, in a press release. “When stored in a cool, dark, ventilated space, they keep well, so buying in bulk and larger bag sizes [including 8- and 10-pound bags] are viable budget-friendly options.”

And with sky-high gas prices, buying in bulk also means fewer trips to the grocery store, Triou said. Additionally, Side Delights can be microwaved or cooked on the grill, reducing the need to heat the kitchen, which can stress the electrical bill, she noted.

Side Delights offers a variety of choices, including multiple bag and pack sizes of potato types, potato kits, convenience potatoes, gourmet petite potatoes, and organic potatoes. A full assortment of onion sizes and colors are also available. For more information on Side Delights and its network of farms, visit SideDelights.com.