Ready, Set, Read!

If you enjoy reading, you know there’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book. And today, there are more ways than ever to enjoy a great story. You can turn the pages of a traditional print book, keep a library of books at your fingertips on an e-reader, or listen to an audiobook while you’re on the go.

📚Print, Digital or Audio?

Even with the digital …

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Ready, Set, Shop! A Look at Back-to-School Shopping in 2026

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and a new school year is about to start! Where does the time go?! As much as my family loves summertime, the start of a new school year is always a welcome change. It’s nice to get back into a regular routine.

Back-to-school shopping is one of my favorite parts of the season. Fresh pens, new notebooks, and brightly-colored supplies …

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The Ultimate Summer Fruit

There are few foods that say summer quite like watermelon! Whether it’s served in big juicy wedges at a backyard barbecue, packed in a cooler for a day at the beach, or cut into cubes for a simple afternoon snack, watermelon seems to be made for those hot summer days. It’s a seasonal favorite that brings back summer memories, while helping us cool off at the same time.…

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In The Know: What’s Your Dining Style?

Pull up a chair! We asked National Consumer Panel members about their dining habits, from favorite restaurants and must-have appetizers to special occasion splurges and sweet treats. Take a look at what’s on the menu and see how your dining style compares!

How often do you dine out at a restaurant?
– Sometimes 45%
– Rarely 34%
– Frequently 17%
– Never 4%

Which meal do you usually …

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Grocery Shopping Trends

For many of us, grocery shopping is a regular part of our weekly routine. Although we all have our own shopping habits, it’s fun to learn how other consumers approach their grocery trips and what they value most during the shopping experience.

I recently came across some interesting findings in FMI’s U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report and thought I’d share a few highlights with you. The report takes …

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The Scoop on National Ice Cream Month

July is National Ice Cream Month and we can’t let the month slip by without celebrating one of America’s favorite frozen treats!

Whether you enjoy a classic cone, a loaded sundae, or your favorite flavor straight from the carton, ice cream is a summertime tradition and year-round treat. Let’s take a look at how this sweet celebration began and a few fun facts from the International Dairy Foods …

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Pets: What’s in the Cart? Score 0%

Pets: What’s in the Cart?

Whether they’re wagging their tails or purring on the couch, pets are an important part of many families. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Americans continue to spend billions of dollars each year on their pets, with purchases extending well beyond food. From treats and toys, to grooming supplies and health products, pet owners fill their shopping carts with products that help keep their pets healthy, …

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Fourth of July 2026: What’s in America’s Shopping Cart This Independence Day?

Independence Day is always one of the biggest summer celebrations, but 2026 is shaping up to be even more memorable. As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, that excitement is showing up in shopping carts across the country.

Along with Fourth of July celebrations, the United States is also hosting the World Cup global soccer competition for the first time since 1994. …

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Father’s Day: History and Trends

Every June, families across the United States take time to celebrate the fathers and father figures who have made a lasting impact on their lives, while remembering loved ones who are no longer here to share the day. While Father’s Day is often celebrated with gifts, meals, and quality time together, the holiday has a history that dates back more than a century.

Let’s take a look at …

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In The Know: What’s the Score?

With the FIFA World Cup around the corner, we asked NCP panelists how they plan to watch, who they’ll be cheering for, and what snacks they’ll have ready for kickoff. From favorite teams to match-day traditions, here’s what fellow panelists had to say.

Kickoff: World Cup Interest

Most panelists don’t plan to closely follow the World Cup.
– 65% don’t plan to follow it at all
– 28% …

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