top of page

Insight of the Day: Datassential identifies how consumers define food value

Writer's picture: InsightTrendsWorldInsightTrendsWorld

Summary: Detailed Findings

  • Food Value Determinants (Groceries): Consumers prioritize product quality (56%), great taste (52%), and cost (47%), with a smaller emphasis on health/nutrition (29%).

  • Food Value Determinants (Restaurants): Great taste (69%), quality (56%), portion size (41%), and price (37%) guide perceptions of value in dining out.

  • Luxury in Dining: While 55% of consumers consider the overall dining experience luxurious, only 15% of operators believe consumers share this view.

  • Food Labeling Confusion: 29% struggle with nutrition labels and 37% with certifications like Fair Trade Certified (42%), ASC Certified (37%), Non-GMO Verified (36%), Rainforest Alliance (34%), Regenerative Organic (33%), and MSC Sustainable (33%).

  • Doomerism and Indulgence: The proportion of consumers indulging in comfort foods weekly increased from 69% to 89%. This indulgent eating is seen as a response to global turmoil and emotional stress.

  • Next-Gen Coffee Trends: 76% of consumers enjoy coffee and 62% are open to trying new and unique coffee drinks, influenced by global flavors (e.g., Korean sweet corn lattes, ube lattes, matcha affogatos).

Key TakeawayDespite increasing food prices, British consumers are prioritizing quality and taste over cost. Consumers seek clarity in labeling, are leaning into indulgent eating as a form of comfort, and are exploring innovative and global flavors—particularly in coffee.

TrendConsumers are redefining food value by placing quality and taste at the forefront, elevating indulgent comfort foods, and embracing global beverage innovations, all amid label confusion and economic pressures.

Consumer Motivation

  • Quality & Taste: A craving for superior product excellence and sensory satisfaction.

  • Health Consciousness: Interest in nutritious and balanced options.

  • Indulgence: Using comfort foods to cope with global unrest and emotional stress.

  • Curiosity & Novelty: Desire to try new, unique, and culturally inspired products, especially in coffee.

What is Driving the Trend

  • Economic Pressures: High prices push consumers to define value in terms other than just cost.

  • Global Unrest: Stress and uncertainty lead to indulgent eating as emotional relief.

  • Cultural Influences: Growing appreciation for international flavors and global coffee trends.

  • Branding & Communication: Brands that highlight quality, authenticity, and clear labeling gain trust.

Motivation Beyond the Trend

  • Sustainability Concerns: Consumers want ethically sourced, eco-friendly products.

  • Transparency: Demand for clear, understandable labeling and certifications.

  • Personal Well-Being: Balancing emotional comfort with healthful choices and mental well-being.

  • Social Influence: Recommendations from peers and social media shape consumer decisions.

Who Are the People the Article is Referring To

  • Target Audience: Adults aged 25–54, across genders, mainly middle to upper-middle income.

  • Psychographics: Health-conscious, trend-followers, indulgence-seekers, and eco-aware consumers.

Description of Consumers’ Product or Service & Age

  • Groceries: High-quality, great-tasting products, nutrient-dense options, and ethically sourced items. Target: adults (25–54) who value quality and unique flavors.

  • Restaurants: Menus focusing on taste, quality, and portion size, offering indulgent comfort foods.

  • Coffee & Beverages: Innovative beverages featuring international influences to attract adventurous palates in the same adult age range.

ConclusionsConsumers increasingly value food quality and taste over cost, find food labeling complex, seek comfort through indulgent eating, and show growing interest in innovative coffee trends. Sustainability and transparency remain long-term concerns.

Implications for Brands

  • Product Strategy: Elevate quality and taste; offer both indulgent comfort foods and healthier options.

  • Labeling: Simplify certifications and provide clearer nutritional information.

  • Marketing: Emphasize sensory appeal, global inspiration, and authenticity.

  • Innovation: Experiment with international flavors and indulgent experiences to stand out.

  • Sustainability: Highlight ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices.

Implication for Society

  • Consumer Behavior: Quality and taste-focused purchasing patterns may influence overall market offerings.

  • Public Health: More indulgent eating could impact health outcomes, though interest in nutritious foods may counterbalance this.

  • Environmental Outcomes: Demand for sustainable products can drive industry-wide environmental improvements.

  • Information Clarity: Better labeling is needed to support informed consumer choices.

Implications for Consumers

  • Decision-Making: Increasing emphasis on quality and taste may lead to more discerning purchases.

  • Health & Well-Being: Balancing indulgence with nutritional needs remains key.

  • Costs: Willingness to pay more for quality and taste may affect personal budgets.

Implication for the Future

  • Sustained Focus on Quality: Continued emphasis on delivering superior taste and authenticity.

  • Labeling Reforms: Potential push for simpler, standardized certifications.

  • Innovation in Indulgence & Coffee: Growth in comfort foods and culturally diverse beverages will likely continue.

Consumer TrendPrioritizing quality and taste as central factors in defining food value, with indulgent comfort foods rising as a response to uncertainty.

Consumer Sub TrendGrowing interest in globally inspired coffee beverages and indulgent treats as emotional coping mechanisms.

Big Social TrendThe convergence of health consciousness and indulgence, where consumers seek both wellness and pleasure from their food choices.

Local TrendIn the UK, a noticeable shift towards higher-quality, better-tasting groceries, innovative coffee experiences, and indulgent dining options.

Worldwide Social TrendA global pattern of consumers demanding better-quality, tastier foods while seeking clear labeling, sustainable sourcing, and emotionally satisfying indulgences.

Name of the Big Trend Implied by the Article"Quality and Taste-Driven Food Value"

Name of Big Social Trend Implied by the Article"Health and Indulgence-Driven Consumerism"

Social DriveA collective movement emphasizing high-quality, flavorful products and balanced emotional well-being through food, amidst global uncertainty and sustainability concerns.

Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025

  • Enhance product quality and taste.

  • Simplify and clarify labeling to build trust.

  • Offer indulgent, comfort-oriented options.

  • Innovate with global and unique flavors, especially in beverages.

  • Promote sustainability and transparency to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025

  1. Quality Enhancement: Source premium ingredients and uphold consistent taste standards.

  2. Transparent Labeling: Redesign labels for clarity and easy comprehension.

  3. Indulgent Offerings: Expand portfolios to include comfort foods that satisfy emotional needs.

  4. Beverage Innovation: Introduce globally inspired coffee and unique beverage experiences.

  5. Sustainability Focus: Commit to ethical sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and transparent supply chains.

  6. Educational Marketing: Use storytelling to inform consumers about certifications, origins, and product benefits.

Final Sentence (Key Concept)As consumers redefine food value around quality and taste—while seeking indulgence, clarity, and sustainability—brands in 2025 should focus on delivering superior taste, transparent labeling, and ethically sourced products, using these elements to engage consumers emotionally, differentiate themselves in the market, and capitalize on the evolving trends towards health and indulgence-driven consumerism.

Hozzászólások


bottom of page