Lockdown changed the grocery cart, but it didn't last
American households moved toward less processed food during pandemic lockdowns. Once restrictions were lifted, ultra-processed food spending climbed back and kept climbing, settling above where it stood before 2020.
TL;DR
- American households consumed less processed food during pandemic lockdowns.
- Following the lifting of restrictions, spending on ultra-processed food increased.
- Ultra-processed food spending has settled above pre-2020 levels.