As holiday parties abound both at home and with co-workers, the final weeks of the year for Americans tend to include a high intake of calories — with a good chunk of that in various forms of alcohol.
However, a recent consumer survey found that the U.S. may be a little less buzzed over Christmas and New Year’s than in years past.
Shopper intelligence data provider Catalina on Dec. 10 released the results of a survey of about 1,100 Americans on a variety of consumer trends in the holiday season, ranging from if and how they expect the COVID-19 pandemic to affect their plans, to what and how much they intend to eat and drink.
The results show that a solid one-third of respondents — 33% — plan to consume no alcohol at all over the holidays; 37% plan to consume about the same as last year, while 15% say they will consume less and 15% plan to consume more.
It’s not entirely surprising, given the rise of non-alcoholic beers and mocktails over the past couple years.
Meanwhile, the survey indicated a decent increase in expected snacking consumption this holiday season: 26% of respondents said they plan to eat more chips, candy and sweets compared to last year, while 49% said they’ll have about the same. Nineteen percent said they’ll consume less, while only 6% said they’ll avoid snack foods altogether.
As for the foods and beverages respondents said they’ll buy more of this holiday season than last year, cookies and cheese led the way, each chosen by 57% survey takers, followed by meat and fruits both at 53%, and chips at 52%. No other food or beverage options were selected by more than 47% of respondents.
