BAKERS GONNA BAKE

If you cook or bake at all, you probably experienced the flour shortage in April firsthand. It was a hot commodity, being traded frequently on the black market (aka Facebook). Stress baking was the name of the game for many quarantined inside, with bread taking a leading spot on the menu. Not only did it give us a new hobby and goal to work toward, but baking for neighbors and friends was a way to show solidarity and kindness during a hard time.

Oprah meme shouting, “You’re a baker! And you’re a baker! Everyone’s a baker!”

Flour wasn’t the only item to experience increased demand. During the phase of Extreme Buying, baking mixes and sugar are among categories that experienced exceptionally high sales. Vegans got into the baking action too, spending 529% more on egg substitutes from March 11-21 compared to one year prior.

Although the daily average spend on baking supplies has dropped since mid-March, the numbers are still considerably higher than they were during the same time period last year. Average daily sales for flour and meal during Home-Confined Buying are 87% higher than they were during the same period last year.

We’re sure you’ll be happy to know that food coloring has made its way back into the shopping basket because plain white frosting all the time is just sad. Take a look at the chart below to understand how sales of baking categories have changed over the last several months.

Percent change in average daily baking supplies spending: buying period vs. same time last year. Top five subcategories are egg substitute, flour and meal, extracts, baking supplies and baking mixes.