The cheese business is booming and customers are faced with dozens of options at grocery and speciality stores. While speciality cheese are the star of gourmet charcuterie plates, a classic medium cheddar is the top choice for many. We recently took a look at the mainstream cheese category to see how six popular brands compare…
Case Study: What Tortilla Chip Has the Most Crunch?
Crunchy, salty and versatile – the tortilla chip has transitioned from a Mexican restaurant treat to a pantry staple for many. And who can blame them? Tortilla chips can be dipped in salsa, crumbled for recipes or enjoyed on their own. We dare you to eat just one! When it comes to buying tortilla chips,…
Where are Consumers Getting their Caffeine Fix?
March 2018 Starting the day with a cup of coffee is standard for most consumers but where does that coffee come from and how much does this daily habit really cost? Are you a home brewer, swear by your pod system or strictly purchase coffee outside of the home? You may dabble in a bit…
Is a Valentine’s Day Dinner Out Overrated or Romantic?
February 2018 Valentine’s Day is known as the international day of love and romance, the day that couples spoil each other with chocolates, flowers and fancy dinners out. A restaurant feast is what many Valentine’s Day traditions are built on and restaurants capitalize on it, creating prix-fixe romantic menus full of oysters, champagne and strawberries.…
Meal Planning and Home Cooked Meals Top 2018 Resolutions
January 2018 With a new year upon us, many North Americans are looking forward to a clean slate and a fresh start. Resolutions are always made with the best intentions; what changes can we make to become our best selves in 2018? While resolutions are very personal, we do know that many people focus on…
Outsourcing the Holiday Feast!
November 2017 Modern life is busy and while many of us have visions of putting together a multi-course holiday feast, made from scratch, it just isn’t realistic due to time, convenience and budget. To overcome these challenges, more and more consumers are turning to prepared or semi-prepared foods for at least a portion of their…
Case Study: How Do Dark Chocolate Bars Stack Up?
Dark chocolate boasts a rich and complex flavour profile that can surprise and delight you, all in one bite. Beyond the delicious taste, dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that have been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Are all dark chocolate bars created even? In a category where prices vary and consumers tend…
Hybrid Meal Planning a Growing Trend
October 2017 Meal prep and meal planning has shifted from a trend to a way of life. Consumers across North America have embraced the concept of planning meals, purchasing exactly what is on their list and setting aside time to prep their ingredients. The concept isn’t complex and the benefits are immediate; save money…