Back to school shopping doesn’t just mean a jump in office supplies sales—sports drinks also saw a 35 per cent increase from last year during August 13 – September 10. According to the Nielsen Insights report, the back to school shopping rush is a popular, and successful time for beverage companies.
“While there is definitely seasonality to sports drinks, there is a spike in the weeks heading back to school,” says director of health and wellness strategic insights at Nielsen Andrew Mandzy. “In addition, households may perceive sports drinks as a healthier alternative to soda or juice boxes that would typically go into lunches.”
According to the Nielson Insights report that sought after research concerning back to school lunchtime and snaking needs, consumers are spending more one sports drinks without artificial sweeteners, as well as 19 per cent more on beverages that are sugar free during the back to school period. The report also showed that low-sodium drink options also sell well during this time, including those with antioxidant properties.
In terms of back to school lunches, mangos saw a 75 per cent increase when compared to two years ago. In addition, apples were on the top of the produce list in 2016, showing that healthy snacks are of a priority.
