When the economy takes a down turn. When the weather turns cold. Or when cold and flu season blows in -- thought turn to food for comfort as well as sustenance. The first choice for succor comes as no surprise – chocolate.
Since those first experiments with the cacao tree seeds by foodies of ancient Mexico and Central America, chocolate has become an international pacifier. This love affair with chocolate certainly has proven a boon to falling profits and stock prices. FoodProcessing.com lists the Nestles Company (N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestles makes the very best….) as number one of the top list of 100 food processors and companies in the 2009 rankings. Even during the recession, Nestles combined food sales continue to climb, with sales topping $24 million in 2008.
Chocolate not only means money for Nestles, at one time it served as currency for trade, a form of money in its own right. Only after the pods and beans became so worn from use as currency was it then considered for consumption. But times have certainly changed.
The social history of chocolate’s spread around the world makes interesting reading while sipping your favorite mocha latte or noshing on a few chocolate covered peanuts or raisins. The Spanish explorers provided the vehicle to move the delicacy from the Mayan realm and into the global market. All but the Asian countries quickly embraced chocolate. That oversight may have more to do with lack of Spanish interaction with Asia than a matter of taste.
What are the Other Nine Top Comfort Foods in the U.S.?
Macaroni and cheese. Homemade or from a box. What could work better than a one-two punch of carbohydrates and cheese, hot and creamy? Kraft, known for its macaroni and cheese and cheeses, garnered stellar sales figures for 2009, joining Nestles in the top 10.
Soups. Again homemade seems to rank a bit higher than from the can or box. This may also be a favorite because of flu season. Chicken soup seems the number one preference. Tyson Foods ranks second in the list of food processors and companies of 2009. Fried chicken or potpies made the list of favorite comfort foods, too.
Ice Cream. Sweet and creamy and ohhhh so soothing. Vanilla, chocolate, Rocky Road -- it didn't seem to matter. Just smooth and cold and creamy. Deans Foods have certainly seen the profits and felt the love.
Salty treats. Potato and tortilla chips as well as popcorn. Salt being the main ingredient.
Mother’s best hamburger recipes – burgers, meatloaf and lasagna – all made the list of foods that provide protein and a sense of security, perhaps associated with childhood. Low cost hamburger and sausage, combined with eggs, cheese, tomato sauce offer a hearty meal when wallets are lean.
Mashed potatoes, prepared with just butter and cream or with additions such as lobster or garlic, or smothered in a decadent gravy, this low-cost meal melts in the mouth. Carbs always equal comfort.
Breakfast cereals such as Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Chex. Kelloggs sales figures attest to a good year.
Beef jerky. Who knew? Probably eaten with a soft drink chaser. Soft drink revenues are also healthy, especially Pepsico.
Pastries. Of course all manner of pastries have taken a hit from health nuts for being empty calories, but when times are tough doughnuts, apple pie, a bit of cheesecake – all take the edge off of a hard day.
Food as Entertainment
In addition to food as comfort. It also serves as a form of entertainment, not only eating it, but preparing it. More people are cooking as a means of escape and a way to save a few dollars.
Food and cooking translate well into entertainment. The Food Network and its new magazine prove popular as more time is spent at home in front of the TV or looking for food and recipes to serve during Family Night.
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