Latest news with #Numerator
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
More states ban soda and ‘junk food' purchases from SNAP benefits
Dive Brief: The Trump administration approved requests from another six states to prevent consumers from using food assistance benefits to buy soda, candy or other sugary snacks and USDA signed off on state waivers from West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas to amend the list of products that customers can purchase with SNAP states have now received approval to restrict benefits, with bans set to commence next year. The Department of Health and Human Services said the waivers aim to end the "subsidization of popular types of junk food." Dive Insight: SNAP consumers make up nearly a quarter of spending in the packaged foods industry, according to Numerator, and new restrictions stand to further limit sales at a time when consumption is already slowing. Restrictions on benefits also vary by state, adding to the confusion for the food industry. Some states are only banning sodas, while others are targeting energy drinks and candy. Florida is so far the only state to restrict SNAP purchases of prepared desserts. Adding to the complications, state bans also have different definitions for what's considered candy or sugary drinks. Indiana and Nebraska, for example, are both banning soft drink purchases but have different definitions of the beverage. Indiana says soft drinks encompass all nonalcoholic beverages with natural or artificial sweeteners, while Nebraska defines them as carbonated nonalcoholic beverages containing water, a sweetening agent, flavoring and carbon dioxide gas. Other states have even more complexity. Iowa, which has one of the most restrictive SNAP rules, is banning sugar-sweetened beverages that contain less than 50% juice, including sodas, energy drinks and flavored waters. The state is also restricting drink concentrates and powdered mix-ins. Iowa is also taking an expansive definition of candy, banning traditional gum and candies in addition to fruit leather, ready-to-eat caramel corn and granola bars unless they contain flour. Trail mix, or other snacks where fruits and nuts are combined with sugar or chocolate, is also banned. As some states provide detailed definitions, others remain vague. Arkansas is banning soda and "unhealthy drinks," without providing a description of what the latter entails. More states have moved toward restricting SNAP purchases as part of a push from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the "Make America Healthy Again" movement. Kennedy said in a statement that SNAP uses "taxpayer dollars to fund soda and candy-products that fuel America's diabetes and chronic disease epidemics." "These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health," Kennedy added. Purchasing patterns between SNAP households and non-SNAP households are roughly equal, the USDA found, with consumers spending the majority of their dollars on staples like meat, fruits, eggs and bread. More money was spent on soft drinks than any other item across all households, though SNAP users spent somewhat more. While SNAP participants are more likely to have higher rates of obesity, recent research from the National Institutes of Health suggests other factors like poor mental health may be driving unhealthy eating patterns. The food industry has long fought efforts to restrict SNAP purchases, arguing that the program addresses hunger and obesity by increasing access to retailers with healthier foods. "At a time when many Americans need the temporary assistance available through SNAP, it is more important than ever that policies promote benefit adequacy and access, not introduce unwise complexity or stigma," a coalition of industry groups, which includes FMI – The Food Industry Association, previously wrote to the White House. Copyright 2025 Industry Dive. All rights reserved.
NBC News
24-07-2025
- Business
- NBC News
McDonald's revamped Snack Wraps are winning over customers
Early data suggests the return of McDonald's Snack Wraps is winning over customers. After a nearly decadelong hiatus, the burger chain brought back the popular menu item earlier this month. So far, it looks like a hit. From July 10 to July 12, the first three days of the launch, McDonald's locations saw traffic jump by double digits each day compared to the year-to-date daily average, according to data. Evercore ISI estimates U.S. same-store sales have climbed 7% so far in the third quarter, according to a research note from Thursday. Some McDonald's U.S. stores even ran out of lettuce, although the company has since resolved the temporary shortage. 'After nine years of pent up demand, fans showed up in full force to celebrate the return of the Snack Wrap. We've been blown away by the response, from packed restaurants with lines out the door to nonstop social buzz,' McDonald's U.S. said in a statement to CNBC regarding the temporary lettuce shortage. The success of the permanent menu addition is good news for McDonald's, which has struggled with sluggish sales in recent months. In the first quarter, the company reported its largest quarterly U.S. same-store sales decline since 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic shuttered its dining rooms. McDonald's has had some marketing wins: its $5 meal deal and a Minecraft movie tie-in. But discounts can weigh on restaurant profitability, and limited-time promotions only provide a temporary boost to traffic. Most importantly for McDonald's, customers seem to enjoy the Snack Wraps, suggesting that the lift to McDonald's sales could outlast the social media buzz that fueled the initial traffic boost. A Numerator survey of more than 200 verified buyers of the McDonald's Snack Wrap found that 90% of respondents would buy the item again in the future. Those early Snack Wrap buyers are loyal McDonald's customers. Numerator found that the survey's average respondent has visited the chain 56 times so far this year. The typical McDonald's diner has only frequented one of its restaurants 25 times during the same period, according to Numerator. In addition to lettuce, shredded cheese and sauce, McDonald's revived snack wraps are made with one of the chain's McCrispy Strips, which launched nationwide in May. The wraps, which sell for $2.99 each, come in two flavors: spicy and ranch. More than two thirds of Numerator survey respondents bought just the ranch snack wrap, 20% purchased the spicy version, and 12% went for both. The company is expected to report its earnings for the second quarter on Aug. 6. The report will not include the effect of the snack wraps, which rolled out nationwide after the quarter ended.
CNBC
23-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
McDonald's revamped Snack Wraps are winning over customers
Early data suggests the return of McDonald's Snack Wraps is winning over customers. After a nearly decadelong hiatus, the burger chain brought back the popular menu item earlier this month. So far, it looks like a hit. From July 10 to July 12, the first three days of the launch, McDonald's locations saw traffic jump by double digits each day compared to the year-to-date daily average, according to data. Evercore ISI estimates U.S. same-store sales have climbed 7% so far in the third quarter, according to a research note from Thursday. Some McDonald's U.S. stores even ran out of lettuce, although the company has since resolved the temporary shortage. "After nine years of pent up demand, fans showed up in full force to celebrate the return of the Snack Wrap. We've been blown away by the response, from packed restaurants with lines out the door to nonstop social buzz," McDonald's U.S. said in a statement to CNBC regarding the temporary lettuce shortage. The success of the permanent menu addition is good news for McDonald's, which has struggled with sluggish sales in recent months. In the first quarter, the company reported its largest quarterly U.S. same-store sales decline since 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic shuttered its dining rooms. McDonald's has had some marketing wins: its $5 meal deal and a Minecraft movie tie-in. But discounts can weigh on restaurant profitability, and limited-time promotions only provide a temporary boost to traffic. Most importantly for McDonald's, customers seem to enjoy the Snack Wraps, suggesting that the lift to McDonald's sales could outlast the social media buzz that fueled the initial traffic boost. A Numerator survey of more than 200 verified buyers of the McDonald's Snack Wrap found that 90% of respondents would buy the item again in the future. Those early Snack Wrap buyers are loyal McDonald's customers. Numerator found that the survey's average respondent has visited the chain 56 times so far this year. The typical McDonald's diner has only frequented one of its restaurants 25 times during the same period, according to Numerator. In addition to lettuce, shredded cheese and sauce, McDonald's revived snack wraps are made with one of the chain's McCrispy Strips, which launched nationwide in May. The wraps, which sell for $2.99 each, come in two flavors: spicy and ranch. More than two thirds of Numerator survey respondents bought just the ranch snack wrap, 20% purchased the spicy version, and 12% went for both. The company is expected to report its earnings for the second quarter on Aug. 6. The report will not include the effect of the snack wraps, which rolled out nationwide after the quarter ended.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Surging price of grocery shopping revealed amid cost of living crisis
UK grocery prices have surged at their fastest rate in 18 months, sparking fresh concerns among consumers grappling with the escalating cost of living. New data from market research firm Worldpanel by Numerator, formerly Kantar, reveals that grocery price inflation accelerated to 5.2 per cent in the four weeks leading up to 13 July. This marks a notable jump from 4.7 per cent just a month prior and represents the highest level recorded since January 2024. Projections indicate that these rising costs are set to add an average of £275 to shoppers' annual grocery spending. Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Worldpanel, highlighted the widespread concern among households. He stated: "Just under two-thirds of households say they are very concerned about the cost of their grocery shopping, and people are adapting their habits to avoid the full impact of price rises. "Own label products, which are often cheaper, continue to be some of the big winners and, in fact, sales of these ranges are again outpacing brands, growing by 5.6 per cent versus 4.9 per cent.' He added that shopping data also showed that consumers have been cooking simpler meals in recent months as part of efforts to stick to budgets. The price increases come amid a backdrop of commodity price pressures and higher costs for retailers, after recent increases in National Insurance contributions and the national minimum wage. Worldpanel data also showed that overall consumer spending across UK grocers rose by 4.6 per cent over the 12 weeks to July 13. Online retail specialist Ocado saw the fastest rise in sales over the period, with 11.7 per cent. It was closely followed by German discount chain Lidl, which saw sales rise 11.1 per cent, to take its share of the UK grocery market to 8.3 per cent, moving it close to the size of rival Morrisons. Elsewhere, the UK's largest supermarket chain Tesco increased its share of the market further after growing sales by 7.1 per cent. Asda and the Co-op were among the weaker performers, with sales declines of 3 per cent and 3.7 per cent respectively over the quarter.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Shoppers pay £275 more at the tills as food prices continue to climb
Shoppers could spend an extra £275 on groceries this year as food prices continue to rise, bringing their total bill to over £5,500, new figures suggest. Closely-watched data released by market research firm Numerator, formerly Kantar, show grocery inflation reached 5.2 per cent in the four weeks to 13 July, marking their highest level in 18 months. It chimes with the latest CPI reading showed an uptick in inflation from 3.4 to 3.6 per cent between May and June, driven primarily by rising fuel and food prices, according to the Office for National Statistics. With the average household spending £5,283 on food every year, the latest rise could add £275 to bills if their habits stay the same, Numerator said. The figures suggest shoppers are trying to shield themselves from the worst of the price hikes by opting for own-label products, which now outpace brands, growing by 5.6 per cent versus 4.9 per cent. 'These inflationary worries aren't just changing what we buy, but how we prepare it too,' says Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Worldpanel. 'We often see people choosing to make simpler meals when they are trying to save money, and today, almost seven in ten dinner plates include fewer than six components.' The figures come just a week after figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) showed a rebound in retail sales, up 3.1 per cent year-on-year in June. While food sales increased 4.1 per cent, it said it had been driven mainly by food inflation, with non-food sales rising just 2.2 per cent. Cost-conscious consumers are driving sales at discount retailers like Aldi, where sales increased by 6.3 per cent bringing its market share to 10.9 per cent, just behind Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda. Lidl reached a record high market share at 8.5 per cent having attracted half a million new customers to its stores. Tesco retains the top spot with a market share of 28.3 per cent as sales grew by 7.1 per cent, while Asda continued to lose ground with a market share of 11.8 per cent. Cost-cutting might be high on the agenda for some consumers, but the hot weather means some categories are seeing an uptick in sales. Iced coffee sales were up by 81 per cent, while kombucha drinks doubled their sales over the last four weeks compared to 2024. Sales of ice cream and sorbet soared by 33 per cent. 'Innovation is absolutely vital to help grocers keep up with new trends and make sure they're meeting shoppers' needs as behaviours and priorities shift,' says McKevitt. 'The drinks aisle in particular seems to be offering up plenty of inspiration.'
