Since 2003, HUNTER has commissioned a study annually to identify the top food news stories according to the opinions of Americans. In 2020, we conducted a special report to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers’ behavior related to eating, drinking, cooking and sourcing food. This year, we resume our study with a focus on uncovering the most significant food news stories of 2021.

For more than 22 months, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on nearly every industry in every corner of the globe has dominated headlines. The hospitality industry was among the hardest hit by safety regulations and changes in consumer behavior, causing widespread shutdowns due to supply chain issues, labor shortages and decreased demand.

#1 Top Food News Story of the Year: Mask Mandates in Restaurants

As COVID-19 swept the globe, many governments instituted safety regulations to curb the spread of the virus which included requiring masks to be worn in most public places, including retail establishments and restaurants. Global, national, and local media alike kept the public informed about the issuance of mask mandates, their efficacy, and the economic impact of these mandates on the restaurant industry at-large.

#2 Top Food News Story of the Year: Labor Shortages in Restaurants

COVID-19 forced many restaurants to close their doors, as diners and workers alike chose to stay home in response to fears of virus transmission. As eating establishments began to open their doors in 2021, many restaurant owners faced issues with employee hiring and retention. Storylines that debate the causes of the labor shortage and report on its economic impact continue to circulate.

#3 Top Food News Story of the Year: Inflation & Higher Food Prices

U.S. inflation is rising at the fastest pace in more than a decade due to rising costs for raw materials, labor and shipping. To offset increases in overhead costs and preserve profitability, many food and drink brands are increasing prices of their products.

#4 Top Food News Story of the Year: Tyson Chicken Recall

In July 2021, Tyson Foods, the world's second largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork announced a recall on ready-to-eat, fully-cooked chicken products due to listeria risk. Recalled products, including Tyson grilled and fully cooked chicken, and Jet's Pizza, Marco's Pizza, Little Caesars, and Casey's General Store chicken products, were sold at major national grocery chains as well as distributed to institutions like hospitals, schools, and the Department of Defense.

#5 Top Food News Story of the Year: Air Fryer Recipes

While toilet paper may go down in history as the most in-demand product of the pandemic, air fryers certainly earned a place on the top 10 list. Content featuring air fryer recipes and “hacks” was among the most viral on TikTok in 2021 and accounted for thousands of editorial stories.

The entire American food landscape is evolving in the wake of COVID-19. These developments are apparent when comparing consumers’ food attitudes, behavior, and segmentation to that captured in HUNTER’s pre-pandemic survey from 2019. Not only are consumers spending more time cooking and altering the way they prepare meals, but we see a shift in America’s fundamental relationship with food, with a greater portion of Americans are now beginning to identify as Foodies and less identifying as Convenience-First.