Shopping: How American consumers are feeling the squeeze, in 4 charts

Why it is the topic trending: • Lingering Effects of High Inflation and Interest Rates: High inflation over recent years, coupled with increased interest rates, has made it more difficult for many Americans to improve their financial standing. • Policy Moves and Uncertainty: Policy changes, particularly tariffs, are causing concerns about rising prices and have led to…

Restaurants: SF has a new viral sushi craze: $5 happy hours, twice a day

Why it is the topic trending: • Affordable Sushi in an Expensive City: San Francisco, known for its high cost of living and dining, is experiencing a viral craze around sushi due to the exceptionally low price point of $5 during happy hour. This affordability makes sushi accessible to a wider range of people. • Unique…

Food: Tinned fish is the hottest new culinary trend amid rising food prices

Why it is the topic trending: • Economic Factors: The rising cost of living and food prices have prompted consumers to seek affordable yet nutritious options. Tinned fish provides a cost-effective source of protein and healthy fats, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious shoppers. • Culinary Versatility: Tinned fish is being embraced for its…

Food: 5 facts about food costs in America

Why it is the topic trending: • High Importance to Consumers: Food costs are a major concern for a significant majority of Americans, influencing their purchasing decisions. • Inflation Impact: The article highlights the substantial increase in food prices since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the broader issue of inflation impacting household budgets. • Food…

Food: How consumers’ egg buying behavior has changed since January

Why is the topic trending: • Skyrocketing Egg Prices: The article notes the significant increase in egg prices since January 2025, making it a topic of consumer concern. • Shifting Consumer Behavior: A recent Numerator survey reveals how consumers are altering their egg purchasing habits in response to these elevated prices. • “Desensitization” to High Prices: The survey…

Food: Budget Meal Recipes Take Off on TikTok Amid Recession Fears

Why Is This Topic Trending? • Economic Anxiety & Poverty PressuresRoughly 37 million Americans (11.1 % of the population) are living in poverty as of early 2025, straining household budgets and driving searches for cost-saving strategies. • Rising Recession FearsThe likelihood of a U.S. recession climbed from 40 % to 60 % this year, heightening…

Shopping: Where Grocery Price Inflation Is Causing the Most Shopper Stress

Why is the topic trending?  • Significant Consumer Financial Concern: The report highlights that grocery price inflation is a major source of stress for consumers globally, indicating a widespread economic issue affecting daily lives. • Geographic and Demographic Variations: The findings reveal that the level of concern and the impact of inflation vary significantly by country and…

Automotive: Americans Want Federal EV Incentives To Stay

Why it is the topic trending: • Government Policy Impacting Consumers: The potential changes to or removal of federal EV tax credits are a significant policy issue that directly affects the cost of purchasing electric vehicles for American consumers. • Detailed description: The $7,500 federal tax credit, a part of the Inflation Reduction Act, makes EVs more…