More Americans, Not Surprisingly, Indulged in 2020 When It Came to Food and Booze

More consumers found a good reason to eat more desserts last year.

While quarantining during the pandemic last year (and probably now as well), many consumers embraced indulgence, according to a study by Denver-based Ibotta.

The mobile technology company that offers an app for consumers to earn cash back on in-store and online purchases with receipt submission, found that Americans purchased 33% more desserts, 16% more cheese and 12% more chocolate in 2020 when compared to 2019. Many consumers (24%) also indulged in more bath and body care products.

Booze sales also boomed. Ibotta found that alcohol purchases were up across the board, with shoppers buying more brandy (43%), tequila (40%) and whiskey (39%) in 2020 than they did in the previous year. Consumers also purchased 30% more cocktail mixes, 73% more flavored wine, and 34% more rosé wine.

Not beer, though, as overall suds sales fell 2% in 2020, according to the company’s research.