#166 - An Audit of America’s Kitchen Reveals a Shift to “Just-In-Time” Inventories

For more than 30 years, Circana has conducted extensive audits of the food items found in America’s kitchens, from spice cabinets and pantries to refrigerators and freezers. Results from the 2024 audit reveal our kitchens have fewer items, pointing to our growing desire for convenience. Darren Seifer, industry advisor, consumer goods & foodservice insights at Circana, shares observations on changing behaviors and opportunities to meet consumer needs. 

Highlights: 

• Consumers are keeping around 140 items in their kitchen, down from 160 in 2020. 
• There’s been an uptick in heat-and-eat solutions. Kitchen appliances such as air fryers and pod coffee makers are responding to the need for speed. 
• Conversely, there’s been a decline in food appliances like deep fryers or coffee grinders. 
• Manufacturers of CPG items and appliance makers have an opportunity to support the success of meals, with proper temperature cooking, simplified recipes, and products that deliver flavor and convenience.