SuperValu has compiled new research revealing Ireland's shopping habits when it comes to fresh bread and cakes, revealing that while the nation's tastes have moved on when it comes to baked treats, some things never change.
Across the country we have grown up with scones and tarts for tea and as time has passed, our nation's palate has evolved with the traditional scone and fruit cake being overtaken by much-loved French croissants and pastries. However we still hold the traditional apple tart close to our hearts, with 32 per cent of people saying it is their fondest childhood memory.
From lockdown banana bread to homemade sourdough, the Irish know a good loaf and they are not afraid to show it. When it comes to consuming bread, 45 per cent of respondents purchase bread once a week, and 36 per cent buy it every second day, making it a strong trolley contender.
In the last 12 months, sourdough has seen a 30 per cent increase in sales, which complements the trends with #AvocadoToast flooding Instagram - with 44 per cent of people picking up their fresh loaf from the in-store bakery, and freshness (82 per cent ) and taste (72 per cent ), being the key things that influence consumers choices.
"Bakers at SuperValu arrive in-store early every morning to ensure their customers are getting the best freshly-baked goods," the company said in a statement. "While the locals are sleeping, the bakers are busy kneading dough and icing cakes to provide the freshest cakes and breads for their customers. SuperValu believe that the journey to real food starts with real passion."
Not only did SuperValu's research discover our love of dough, it also found the importance of bread and what we can do to make sure we are getting the most out of this food group. As a community of bread connoisseurs, in the last 12 months we have seen a spike in healthier options, with chia seed loaves increasing by 20 per cent in sales.
SuperValu has partnered with Aveen Bannon, nutritionist and dietitian, to dispel myths about bread and discover its true benefits, "Would you believe that bread has been part of the human diet for 30,000 years," Ms Bannon said. "Enjoyed by everyone and readily available, it is considered a staple food in nearly every culture worldwide. Bread’s main role is to provide energy in the form of carbohydrate and then essential nutrients and fibre. Fifty per cent of us opt for bread as part of a lunch, and why not? It is convenient and easy to portion… two slices."
