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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Russia's economy faces stress as high interest rates fail to control inflation.</li><li>Inflation hits 9.8% in September, with prices of food staples surging this year.</li></ul>Russia's economy has defied doomsday predictions more than 32 months into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.But Russia's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-economy-overheating-consumer-spending-tourism-central-bank-interest-rate-2024-7">red-hot wartime economy</a> comes with a price: inflation, which hit <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cbr.ru/eng/press/keypr/">9.8% in September.</a>The price hikes are trickling down to basic food items, with prices of potatoes — a Russian staple — surging this year by 64% as of November 5, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://rosstat.gov.ru/storage/mediabank/172_08-11-2024.html">official statistics.</a>Potatoes' price surge stems from bad weather and the rising cost of production amid a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-outlook-ukraine-war-worker-shortage-population-brain-drain-2024-8">labor shortage</a> and rising wages.It's not just potatoes. The data from Rosstat, Russia's federal statistics service, show that food prices have generally risen across the board this year.In late October, economists on the <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" class="" href="https://t.me/russianmacro/20015">MMI Telegram channel</a>, a Russian discussion group, called the acceleration in prices "frightening."The situation is so bad that people are stealing butter from supermarkets. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-ukraine-war-butter-prices-soar-vladimir-putin-2024-11">Butter prices</a> have risen by 27.5% this year.Inflation has also hit a range of processed goods in recent months, including bread, dairy, chocolate, and beer, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/08/15/russian-food-suppliers-warn-of-price-hikes-up-to-40-a86026">Russian media</a> reported.The pre-Christmas surge in food prices isn't new.Last year, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-apologizes-for-egg-prices-as-russian-inflation-soars-2023-12">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> had to apologize for a jump in egg prices.To tame prices, Russia's<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cbr.ru/eng/press/keypr/"> central bank</a> has hiked its key interest rate to a <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-interest-rates-0fa1d7385be622fd98756a5b4e715262">record high</a> of 21% last month. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cbr.ru/dkp/mp_dec/decision_key_rate/summary_key_rate_06112024/">It said last week</a> that it could hike its key rate again at its next meeting in December.High interest rates are irritating business leaders, who are more loudly critiquing the central bank's policies.Sergei Chemezov, the CEO of the defense conglomerate Rostec, said in an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russias-defense-sector-on-overdrive-but-firms-warn-of-collapse-2024-11">address</a> to Russian senators in late October that "record" interest rates were "eating up" profits.Chemezov further warned that the high borrowing rates would eventually bankrupt most enterprises.Last week, officials and business leaders at an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economic-experts-forecast-bumpy-2025-for-country-inflation-putin-2024-11">economic forum in central Russia</a> expressed pessimism about the country's economy next year. They predict lower-than-expected growth and investment delays due to the central bank's rate hike and a lack of state funding.

Russia's inflation is so bad that potatoes cost 64% more than they did at the start of the year

There is no denying the fact that <keyword id="12724312" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="quick-commerce" source="Orion">quick commerce</keyword> platforms like <keyword id="19939135" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Swiggy-Instamart" source="keywords">Swiggy Instamart</keyword>, <keyword id="20069203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Blinkit" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Blinkit" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Blinkit">Blinkit</keyword> and <keyword id="19939134" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zepto" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Zepto" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Zepto">Zepto</keyword> have made life easier for us all. Be it planning a last-minute party or restocking your kitchen with regular <keyword id="20191825" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="groceries" source="keywords">groceries</keyword>, you can get almost anything on these platforms within minutes. The three platforms offer similar items but there is a slight difference in prices. So, if you are a regular shopper from any of these platforms and use them for buying groceries, here is some news for you. We compared the prices of a few grocery items on all three platforms and found out which one is offering items for a relatively cheaper price. Curious to know more? Well, read on! <h2>The grocery list </h2> First thing’s first, here is the full list of items that were used to compare prices across all three platforms: 1.Onion – 1 kg 2.Tomato – 1 kg 3.Potato – 1 kg 4.Milk – 1 litre 5.Butter – 500 grams 6.Eggs – Pack of 10 7.Bread – 1 packet 8.Cheese slices – Pack of 10 9.Ghee – 1 litre 10.Whole-wheat flour – 5 kg Also, it is to be noted that the location where these items were beingordered from is Rohini, New Delhi at 7:00 pm on August 27. Hence, the price of the items might vary depending on the region that you are living in. <h2>Swiggy, Zepto or Blinkit: A price comparison </h2> Now, coming to comparing the final bill of all three platforms. In Swiggy Instamart, the final bill (with Swiggy One membership) amounted to Rs 1,761 whereas on Zepto, the amount turned out to be Rs 1748. Blinkit, turned out to be the cheapest choice with bill amounting to Rs 1,740. <div type="image" title="Zepto (1)" msid="112862904" hostid="261"></div> We found out that the price of veggies was very similar in all three platforms and milk and bread costs exactly the same in all scenarios. Overall, there is not a lot of difference in prices but Blinkit stands the cheapest option out of all three. <h2>Here is a detailed look at what costs what on the three platforms: </h2> <table style="border-collapse:collapse;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt" class="redcator-table-advance"> <tbody><tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> S.No </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Item name and quantity </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Zepto </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Swiggy Instamart </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Blinkit </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 1 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Onion – 1 kg </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 59 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 58 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 59 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 2 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Tomato – 1 kg </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 64 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 64 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 64 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 3 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Potato – 1 kg </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 46 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 46 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 45 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 4 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Milk – 1 litre </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 68 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 68 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 68 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 5 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Butter – 500 grams </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 262 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 285 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 285 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 6 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Eggs – Pack of 10 </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 114 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 107 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 107 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 7 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Bread – 1 packet </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 50 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 50 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 50 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 8 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Cheese slices – Pack of 10 </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 141 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 159 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 136 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 9 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Ghee – 1 litre </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 626 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 619 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 618 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:42.3pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> 10 </td> <td style="width:138.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Whole-wheat flour – 5 kg </td> <td style="width:90.15pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 308 </td> <td style="width:104.95pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 298 </td> <td style="width:75.4pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> Rs 287 </td> </tr> </tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table> So, the next time you go grocery shopping on any of these platforms, you have an idea of how to plan things in a smarter way. Keep watching this space for more such stories.

Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, or Zomato's Blinkit: Which Quick commerce platform is offering cheapest grocery options right now

New Delhi: The ongoing volatility in the prices of key food items such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes (collectively known as TOP) and pulses continues to pose significant challenges for the <keyword id="19913109" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monetary-policy-committee" source="keywords">Monetary Policy Committee</keyword> (MPC) of the <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reserve-bank-of-india" source="keywords">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (<keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword>), highlights a report by <keyword id="19898108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SBI" source="keywords">SBI</keyword>. "Current volatility in prices of TOP and pulses continues to challenge the MPC, keeping the headline above target at 5.1 per cent in June 2024," said the report. The report highlighted that this instability in <keyword id="19960157" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-prices" source="keywords">food prices</keyword> has kept the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) <keyword id="19895000" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="inflation" source="keywords">inflation</keyword> above the targeted level, reaching 5.1 per cent in June 2024. While the inflationary pressures remain a concern, the report stated that there is hope on the horizon due to the currently above-normal <keyword id="19968257" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monsoon" source="keywords">monsoon</keyword> and increased sowing activity, which are further supported by the potential onset of a La Nina event later in the year. "The currently above-normal monsoon and sowing, backed up by a potential La Nina event later, promise reprieve in later quarters," said the report. Importantly, the report added that it is now expected that the CPI will remain above the RBI's medium-term target of 4 per cent in all quarters up until the first quarter of FY26. This persistent overshoot highlights the ongoing inflationary pressures in the economy. "Notably, now the CPI is expected to be above RBI's target of 4 per cent in all quarters till Q1FY26," the report added. However, the report noted that the Monetary Policy Committee expects a moderation in inflation during the fourth quarter, which is anticipated to help keep the overall CPI projection for FY24 unchanged at 4.5 per cent. The SBI report also believes that the volatility in food prices, driven by uneven spatial and temporal distribution of monsoon rains, presents an upside risk to the current inflation projections. As a result, SBI maintains its CPI estimate for FY25 at 4.7 per cent year-on-year. In the latest MPC meeting on Wednesday, RBI Governor <keyword id="19913110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shaktikanta-das" source="keywords">Shaktikanta Das</keyword> said inflation will moderate from July onwards as the monsoon has improved and global food prices have shown signs of easing in July. Das said, "Global food prices showed signs of easing in the month of July after registering an increase since March 2024." A degree of relief in food inflation is expected from the pickup in southwest monsoon and healthy progress in Kharif sowing. Buffer stocks of cereals continue to be above the norms, according to RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das. Das added, "Assuming a normal monsoon and taking into account the 4.9 per cent inflation print, Q1 CPI inflation for the current financial year (2024-25) is projected at 4.5 per cent, with q2 at 4.4 per cent, Q3 at 4.7 per cent and Q4 at 4.3 per cent. CPI inflation for the first quarter of next financial year (Q1 2025-26) is projected at 4.4 per cent."

High food prices raise concerns but improved monsoon offers hope for RBI: SBI report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Americans are annoyed about soaring fast-food prices.</li><li>Some diners are turning to independent restaurants, casual dining chains, and home cooking instead.</li></ul>As <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-fast-food-is-so-much-more-expensive-value-affordable-2024-4">fast-food prices continue to soar</a>, Americans are looking for ways to get <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-loyalty-app-deals-cheap-free-meals-prices-2024-3">more bang for their buck</a>.Some say they're switching to local Latin restaurants and casual dining chains.Others are just buying more groceries and cooking at home instead.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-fast-food-is-so-much-more-expensive-value-affordable-2024-4">Like fast-food prices, grocery prices soared during the pandemic</a>. But grocery prices are now largely back to pre-pandemic levels, while <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-is-expensive-people-annoyed-eating-out-restaurant-2024">inflation at limited-service restaurants</a> still remains elevated.And some consumers see the benefit of cooking healthier meals at home.<div type="image" title="Young woman browses produce in a grocery store" height="1414" width="2121" msid="111027591" hostid="261" sizebytes="221090"></div>Chad Frye, a cartoonist and illustrator in California, said that he used to be a "fast-food junkie," eating it around four or five times a week, but that he has cut this down to about twice."I do a lot more cooking at home now," Frye said. "It's much more economical."Thomas Valentine, a 32-year-old from Arizona, said he generally buys prepackaged meals from grocery stores."The most cooking I'll do is throw some chicken thighs in the oven and make some instant potatoes or some ramen," he said.For Jordan Sanchez, a 27-year-old loader for a delivery company who lives in California, eggs and chicken tenders are the go-tos. He said he's started cooking more, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/only-ate-home-cooked-food-for-a-month-what-happened-2019-8">both for his health and because of the rising costs of fast food</a>.Lawrence Milford's family, meanwhile, is recreating a fast-food favorite at home.To mimic the taste of dining out, the 48-year-old financial planner from Florida, who has two kids, said his wife sometimes cooks McDonald's-like burgers "to make the kids happy."<h2 id="66f3aab2-e2a2-4336-bdea-cbc79bd89556">Grocery stores are fast-food chains' biggest rivals</h2>Executives are spotting the shift toward home cooking, too."Many customers are being more exacting about where and how they choose to spend their money," Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan told investors at the company's last earnings call, adding that some customers had been saving money by eating more at home.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-low-income-diners-eat-at-home-prices-soar-2024-3">McDonald's</a> has acknowledged this, too.It all comes down to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-fast-food-is-so-much-more-expensive-value-affordable-2024-4">"delta" — or the gap — between grocery and restaurant inflation</a>, Danilo Gargiulo, a restaurant analyst at Bernstein, previously told BI.After all, groceries, not rival restaurants, are the biggest competitors to fast-food chains because people are trying to decide whether to eat at home or get fast food, he said. When fast-food prices rise at a faster rate than grocery prices, consumers notice.Some grocery stores are seeing the effects of customers' changing habits. Walmart US CEO John Furner said at an Oppenheimer conference this week that shoppers had started buying more home-cooking ingredients, such as fresh produce, proteins, and dairy.R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai — an analytics company that tracks footfall — told BI that there had been a shift in traffic away from fast-food chains toward full-service restaurants and discount grocery stores in recent weeks. He attributed this to the price increases at fast-food chains.<h2 id="e63e78db-4fa4-40d6-99eb-77259cb5d850">Diners are turning to Chili's, Applebee's, and Mexican restaurants</h2>As well as cooking more, people are changing where they dine to save money.Some consumers told BI <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-california-expensive-diners-could-switch-to-chilis-applebees-2024-4">they're opting for casual-dining chains</a>, independent restaurants, and their neighborhood Mexican and Latin eateries, meaning they can get better-quality food and enjoy a sit-down meal with their families."You can get something that tastes really good for almost the same price at a sit-down," Frye said.Family-friendly casual-dining chains like Applebee's and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chain-restaurants-vs-fast-food-value-wars-2024-4">Chili's</a> typically have broad menus and offer some entrées for under $15. For many diners, it's about the value proposition.<div type="image" title="The exterior of the West St. Paul, Minnesota Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar restaurant." height="3466" width="5200" msid="111027592" hostid="261" sizebytes="1230934"></div>When Martin Jennings, a 51-year-old truck driver from Florida, and his wife dine out with their kids, they try to visit sit-down restaurants like Chili's or TGI Fridays "and have better quality food than [getting] a hamburger through the drive-thru.""And it's only a few dollars more. Honestly, it seems lately the only thing we pay extra for is a tip," Jennings said.For similar reasons, some diners say they're heading to independent restaurants, too.Brooks Ferrante, a 32-year-old construction worker in Florida, said he'd largely ditched McDonald's and Wendy's for fast-casual chains like Chipotle and local restaurants selling Cuban and Puerto Rican food. He typically spends $10 or $11 on a meal, including tips.Ben Heyworth, an account executive in Florida, has made a similar change to his dining habits.He told BI that some Mexican restaurants near where he live sold better-quality food than fast-food chains and charge between $10 and $15 for an entrée and drink."I feel like I'm getting more value," he said. "You can sit down, it's got a good atmosphere, better service, better quality food, better options."

Soaring fast food prices encourage Big Mac junkies to cook at home

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Egg prices are soaring amid inflation and a nationwide avian flu outbreak.</li><li>Shoppers in California can expect the priciest eggs at nearly $8 for a dozen, The Washington Post reports.</li></ul>Shoppers are taking notice of the rising cost of a dozen eggs at their local grocery stores, and the online jokes are egg-zactly what we need right now.An outbreak of <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-commercial-backyard-flocks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avian influenza in February 2022 has affected around 58 million chickens</a>, the US Department of Agriculture reported.The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/avian-flu-has-made-organic-eggs-cheaper-than-conventional-ones-2022-12">deadly infection kills 90% to 100% of affected chickens within a couple of days</a>, according to information reported by Insider's Alex Bitter. As a result, poultry products — eggs included — are costing shoppers more.In November, the price of eggs was 49% higher than the same month in 2021, according to the Insider report."I don't know whether to pay my mortgage this month or buy a carton of eggs," one <a href="https://twitter.com/traciebreaux/status/1612865845356630020?s=20&amp;t=B9NGSmNFSfDtFyV6Mbek1w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">user wrote.</a>As of January, an 18-count carton of extra large white eggs is listed for $7.52 on Walmart's website. California shoppers reportedly face an even steeper price, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/01/10/egg-prices-avian-flu-inflation/?utm_campaign=wp_main&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">paying about $7.37 for only a dozen</a>, according to the Washington Post.Another user joked about needing help from buy-now-pay-later service Klarna to purchase a dozen of eggs. The tweet garnered over two million views and nearly 70,000 likes.It's unclear when consumers can expect egg prices to drop, but farmers are reportedly recovering faster from avian outbreaks among their chickens, Emily Metz, president of the American Egg Board, told the Washington Post."In 2015, it took farms about nine months to get flocks laying again; now it's taking about six months. Most farms affected in 2022 are already back to laying and supplying eggs again," Metz said, according to the report.

'Looks like we're painting potatoes for Easter': Twitter users share their hilarious reactions to current egg prices

<ul><li>Food inflation was the major driver of June CPI which hit a three-month high.</li><li>Tomato price inflation was at 64%, onions at 8.1%, and potato at 10.5% on a sequential basis.</li><li>Retail prices of pulses reported double-digit growth for the third consecutive month.</li><li>On a sequential basis, wheat and rice inflation also picked pace in June. </li></ul>India’s <keyword id="513422" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail-inflation" source="Orion">retail inflation</keyword> is at a three-month high in June at 4.8%, but it may not have reached its peak yet. Many climate related factors have been playing havoc with food inflation, and with most of North India under floods and this will only add to the pinch on the pocket, economists have warned. “Nine states had inflation above the average while six had above 5% — UP, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala, Bihar and Haryana. The recent floods and landslides in the North will tend to push up inflation further in these states on the food side — especially vegetables and fruits which can add another 0.2% to headline inflation,” said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda. Food inflation is a heavyweight in consumer price inflation (CPI), and drove it up in June, even as core inflation cooled as compared to the last month. “Food inflation was the major driver for higher headline inflation print; up by 218 basis points month-on-month versus 67 basis points in the last month due to a 12% hike in vegetables prices,” said a report by Phillip Capital. Price shock: Grains join tomatoes Vegetable prices however are on top of everyone’s minds, and it could get worse as prices of tomatoes refuse to inch down. In June, its prices went up by 64%. But other key vegetables like onion were high too at 8.1%, and potato at 10.5% – on a sequential basis. A report by SBI Ecowrap says that the past 10 years data shows that tomato price increase alone did not influence the overall CPI inflation much — except when it is accompanied by substantial increase in price of potato and onion. “We believe if tomato price increase without any substantial change in potato and onion then average inflation in Q2 FY24 will come near 5.8% yoy but if the TOP (tomato, onion, potato) inflation increases, then CPI might come around 6% yoy in Q2 FY24. Accordingly, average CPI for FY24 will vary between 5.2-5.4%,” says SBI Ecowrap. Grains are not too far behind either. Cereal and pulses inflation remained elevated in June at 12.7% y-o-y and 10.5% y-o-y, respectively. Retail prices of pulses, especially that of tur dal, have risen 24% y-o-y in June, reporting double-digit growth for the third consecutive month. Moreover, the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-sows-more-millets-and-less-rice-this-kharif-season/articleshow/101642365.cms"> sowing in rice and pulses is lower this Kharif season</a> due to delayed monsoons, and that doesn’t bode well for their prices which too are seeing upward pressure. “On a sequential basis, wheat and rice inflation also picked pace in June. Looking ahead, the sale of wheat and rice from the government’s buffer stock via Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) auctions could help cool retail prices of rice, wheat and atta. However, with regards to rice prices, deficient monsoons in West Bengal, a key rice-producing state, could impact sowing, putting upward pressure on prices,” said a report by CareEdge. Milk inflation moderated in June to 8.6% as compared to 8.9%. But it continues to remain sticky above 8%, reeling from the impact of a continued demand-supply mismatch and high fodder costs. “Milk prices could remain higher in the coming months, if unabating cereal inflation keeps cattle feed expensive,” CareEdge says. WPI is comforting, say experts RBI insisted in the last two monetary policy committee meeting updates that its decision to hold key interest rates is a pause not a pivot. Most experts had been hoping that it would go for rate cuts in the second half of the year, but the inflation picture is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/with-inflation-cooling-rbi-may-slash-interest-rates-by-50-bps-this-financial-year/articleshow/100531780.cms">putting cold water on their hopes</a>. “While food prices will create inflationary pressures in the upcoming months due to uneven distribution of monsoon and lower kharif sowing, RBI stance would not be solely contingent on seasonal food inflation,” said Phillip Capital. Even at 4.8%, inflation is within the tolerance band of RBI, which is 4-6%. “The RBI will keep a keen eye here and it is almost given that nothing will change in the policy next month. More caution will be expressed on the inflation front,” said Sabnavis. CareEdge however says that wholesale price inflation (WPI) has been contracting and that is offering some comfort. India’s WPI has been in a deflationary zone for the second month in a row in May, as prices contracted by 3.48%. “Deflation in WPI will have a lagged impact on CPI inflation going forward. Having said that, RBI would remain cautious and adopt a wait and watch mode. We reaffirm our view that RBI would maintain an extended pause in 2023,” said CareEdge.

Inflation to inch higher still? Incessant rains will add to woes, warn economists

Prices are accurate at the time of publication.<ul class="summary-list"><li>The right potato for a potato salad depends on your personal textural preferences.</li><li>Starchy potatoes are best for mayo-based salads and waxy potatoes go well in vinegar-based salads.</li></ul>Potato salad is a cookout classic for excellent reason. It's a creamy, tangy, and flavorful side dish that brings a refreshing balance to a grilled feast. While potato salad isn't a complicated dish to make, it does rely on choosing the right potatoes to provide the perfect texture and flavor. To help you find the ideal potatoes and to properly cook them for potato salad, we're bringing you this potato salad guide filled with expert advice.<h2>Choose your preferred texture </h2><div type="image" title="Overhead shot of creamy potato salad." height="1414" width="2121" msid="92239607" hostid="261"></div>When deciding which potatoes to use for potato salad, it's important to remember that different potato varieties have different textures, and the "best" one for salad really depends on your personal preferences.Starchy potatoes tend to work well for traditional Southern-style potato salad served cold with mayonnaise, according to chef and cookbook author Erica Barrett of <a href="https://www.opentable.com/r/socu-southern-kitchen-and-oyster-bar-mobile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SOCU Southern Kitchen and Oyster Bar</a> in Alabama.Mayo-based Southern potato salad is well-known for a softer texture, and starchier potatoes achieve that. "The insides of these potatoes keep their form really well and mix nicely with other ingredients," Barrett says. Lead chef for online culinary arts and <keyword id="11894142" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="food" source="Orion">food</keyword> operations Shawn Matijevich of the <a href="http://ice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Institute of Culinary Education</a> noted that most prepared potato salads in grocery stores and delis use starchy potatoes, so if that's the type of potato salad you're craving, then these are the potatoes to buy.If you're making a vinegar-based potato salad like a German potato salad, then waxy potatoes will hold up better. "Waxy potatoes absorb less water during boiling. This helps them hold their shape," explains Idaho-based private chef Christina Bailey of <a href="https://edibletimes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Edible Times Culinary Services</a>. While starchy potatoes are easier to infuse with flavors, waxy potatoes maintain more structural integrity when mixed with acidic dressings. "In between" potatoes, which have more moisture than starchy potatoes but less than waxy potatoes, are an excellent middle ground for either mayo-based or vinegar-based potato salad. If you're not sure whether you want waxy or starchy potatoes or which type of potato salad to make when you go shopping, go for an in-between potato.<h2>The best potatoes to buy for each texture </h2>It's very difficult to tell the difference between a "starchy" potato and a "waxy" potato when you're browsing at the grocery store or farmer's market. That's why we're breaking down these categories for you:<ul><li>Waxy: Red Bliss potatoes, fingerling potatoes, new/baby potatoes.</li><li>Starchy: Russet potatoes, Idaho potato varieties.</li><li>In between: Yukon Gold potatoes, white potatoes, purple potatoes.</li></ul>Quick tip: It's easy to buy more potatoes than you need for a potato salad, but these <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/how-to-store-potatoes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">potato storage tips</a> will help you repurpose those flavorful spuds whenever you're ready.<h2>The best way to cook your potatoes for potato salad</h2><div type="image" title="Close up of roasted potatoes with rosemary." height="1397" width="2144" msid="92239609" hostid="261"></div>The potato-cooking process for potato salad varies depending on which type of salad you're hoping to make. "Boiling is the most traditional and works best for potatoes destined for a classic, mayonnaise-based dressing. Roasting potatoes for potato salad brings out deeper flavors, especially if the skins are left on. And roasted potatoes are wonderful when served warm with a vinegar or mustard-based dressing and fresh herbs," says Bailey. <h3>How to boil potatoes for potato salad </h3>1. Wash and cut the potatoes. Rinse your potatoes under cold water to scrub off any dirt and peel the potatoes if desired. Then, cut small potatoes in half and larger potatoes into quarters. "Aim for one-to-two-inch pieces that are all about the same size. If they look the same, they'll cook the same," Bailey explains. 2. Boil the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large pot (like a stock pot), then fill it with enough cold water to fully cover the potatoes with a few inches of water, and season the water with salt, says Matijevich. Bring the water to a boil over a low heat, then reduce the heat and simmer the potatoes. 3. Test the potatoes. Cook the potatoes until a fork slides into the potato, but they still have their texture and aren't mushy. After about 5 minutes of cooking, check one potato for doneness by removing it from the boiling water and checking with the fork. If the sample potato still isn't tender, continue boiling. Remove and taste one every minute or so until you reach the desired tenderness, says Bailey. 4. Drain the potatoes. Once the potatoes reach your preferred texture, drain them in a colander. Let the potatoes cool slightly, then mix them with dressing and other potato salad accoutrements. <h3>How to roast potatoes for potato salad </h3>1. Preheat the oven and wash the potatoes. If you decide to roast potatoes instead, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, rinse and cut the potatoes. Smaller potatoes should be halved, and larger potatoes should be quartered or cut into eighths. 2. Season the potatoes. Toss the potatoes in a high heat oil of your choice, like olive or avocado, and season them well with salt and any other herbs or spices desired, Bailey says. Be sure they're evenly coated. 3. Roast the potatoes. Spread the potatoes on one or more baking sheets, making sure they have plenty of room and don't overlap. Roast the potatoes until they are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes, flipping once or twice along the way, Bailey says. Allow them to cool slightly before mixing with dressing and other ingredients.Quick tip: Whether you're making a mayo-based salad or a vinegar-based salad, Barrett recommends letting the potatoes cool just long enough so that you can handle them. Dress your salad with warm or almost room temperature potatoes, but not cold, as the residual heat helps the potatoes absorb more flavor from the dressing.<h2>Insider's takeaway </h2>Picking the right potatoes will make the difference between a so-so potato salad and a memorable one. If you're using a mayo-based dressing, go with a starchier potato for maximum flavor quality. For a vinegar-based salad, pick waxier potatoes that can uphold their texture even as the acidic dressing works its way into the taters.

Which potato is the best for potato salad? The secret boils down to what texture you prefer

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US salty snack market is continuing to grow even as consumers feel the pinch.</li><li>According to market research firm Mintel, some consumers eat these snacks to de-stress.</li></ul>Americans are turning to potato chips for comfort in unsettling times. According to a new <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mintel-americans-turn-to-salty-snacks-for-comfort-and-familiarity-during-times-of-inflation-301737651.html#:~:text=Salty%20snacks%20are%20meeting%20emotional,as%20a%20motivator%20(58%25).">report by market research firm Mintel</a>, which was shared with Insider, the salty snack market – including popular brands such as Frito-Lay chips, Doritos, and Aunt Annie's Pretzels – is continuing to grow despite rising prices and customers feeling the inflation pinch. Mintel analysts say that current demand is partly driven by these snacks being thought of as valuable de-stressing tools that help consumers to "slow down" and relax. According to Mintel's survey, more than a quarter of people have increased their consumption of salty snacks in the past year, with 47% of millennials eating more chips, popcorn, and pretzels."As consumers continue to navigate stressful and evolving times, salty snacks can be there to help them slow down and even relieve stress," Mintel analyst Kelsey Olsen in a statement."Salty snacks are winning in their ability to satisfy cravings and meet emotional needs, expanding their role beyond a quick hunger-satisfying solution."While a recent survey from Gallup indicates that large numbers of consumers consider themselves <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/469898/half-say-worse-off-highest-2009.aspx">worse off now than in 2022</a>, shoppers are still buying snacks.Snacks aren't generally considered essential purchases like other food items but experts say shoppers are willing to buy these products because they're deemed inexpensive treats.It's not just the salty variety either. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/consumers-turn-to-oreos-chocolate-and-snacks-during-tough-times-2022-11">Insider's Alex Bitter recently reported</a> that chocolate and candy manufacturers such as Hershey and <a target="_blank">Mondelēz</a> recently raised their guidance for quarterly numbers because they were seeing larger sales volumes in recent months.Zak Stambor, a senior analyst at Insider Intelligence, told Bitter that is partly because people want to treat themselves in some way when times are tough, such as when a widely-expected recession is looming. Buying a chocolate bar is an affordable way to do so. "A package of Oreos is far from 'luxury,' but it's a small treat that is not too expensive to throw in your shopping cart that enables you to not feel terrible at all times," he said. This was something that happened in the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009 too, he added. <a target="_blank">Mondelēz's CEO Dirk Van de Put echoed this in a recent statement after the company released its </a><a href="https://www.mondelezinternational.com/stateofsnacking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State of Snacking report</a><a target="_blank"> created with Harris Poll in January. The survey polled 3,530 adults across its 12 different markets including the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, China, and the UK.</a>80% of shoppers surveyed said it was more important than ever for them to have "moments of indulgence" in the day. In short, these tasty snacks are keeping morale up. "Our State of Snacking report confirms that in these trying times, consumers around the world view their favorite snacks as affordable and necessary indulgences," Van de Put said."Snacking continues to be a way for consumers to connect or to enjoy a moment of delight in their day," he added.

Americans are comfort eating potato chips, popcorn, and pretzels as economic anxiety rises and recession looms

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Chipotle is launching a virtual restaurant brand featuring "California-inspired" bowls.</li><li>The chain tapped award-winning chef Nate Appleman to develop the concept, called Farmesa.</li></ul>Chipotle is launching a new restaurant spinoff called Farmesa that features "California-inspired" bowls. The virtual restaurant makes its debut later this month in a ghost kitchen in Santa Monica, California.The chain has failed to find success with previous spinoffs, including a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chipotle-burger-chain-tasty-made-opens-2016-10">burger concept</a> called Tasty Made and ShopHouse, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chipotle-shuts-down-shophouse-2017-3">a bowl concept inspired by multiple Asian c</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bibibop-is-taking-over-where-chipotle-left-off-2017-3">uisines,</a> but maybe the third time's a charm for Chipotle. The chain is hooking up for a second time with James Beard award-winning chef Nate Appleman to break in the new bowl concept.Farmesa will operate at the Kitchen United Mix food hall at Third Street Promenade, a tourist-heavy outdoor retail center in Santa Monica. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kitchen-united-raises-100-million-from-kroger-burger-king-owner-2022-6">Kitchen United</a> is a Pasadena, California-based <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/5-ghost-kitchen-startups-looking-for-vc-funding-2022-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ghost kitchen operator</a> with locations all over the US.Farmesa's bowls, which range in price from $11.95 to $16.95, will be available for delivery and takeout. Each entree features a protein, a choice of base (rice, whipped potatoes, greens or quinoa), five sauces, and a topping option, Chipotle said. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chipotle-ceo-brian-niccol-shares-playbook-for-growing-digital-sales-2021-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CEO Brian Niccol</a> said Farmesa uses classic culinary techniques with flavorful ingredients. Proteins and sides include Santa Maria-style grilled tri-tip, Everything Spice-Crusted Ora King Salmon, golden beets, sprouted cauliflower, and sweet potato chips. "One of our strategic objectives is to create or invest in emerging culinary spaces and restaurant concepts that fit within Chipotle's food with integrity mission that are made fresh daily," Niccol said.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virtual-restaurant-ghost-kitchen-doordash-grubhub-uber-eats-2022-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Many chains create virtual restaurant brands or concepts for delivery and takeout only. Many are prepared in ghost kitchens. </a>But a Chipotle spokesperson said Farmesa is not intended to be a permanent virtual brand. "Our ultimate goal is to expand the concept beyond a virtual setting," spokeswoman Erin Wolford told Insider. "However, launching Farmesa in the Kitchen United Mix food hall and partnering with third-party partners for pickup or delivery will allow us to reach a large number of consumers, learn quickly, and adapt accordingly."Niccol said <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-12-chipotle-power-players-leading-innovation-on-its-app-2022-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chipotle</a> is excited to test and learn before determining a broader rollout strategy for Farmesa. "Farmesa will help Chipotle test and learn on future restaurant concepts," the company said. <div type="image" title="Kitchen United Mix" height="952" width="1270" msid="97954838" hostid="261"></div>Unlike traditional ghost kitchens, which operate for delivery only, the Third Street Promenade location has seating and is open to the public for walk-in orders using kiosks. The ghost kitchen company operates other Kitchen United Mix locations, often called virtual food halls, in a handful of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kitchen-united-raises-100-million-from-kroger-burger-king-owner-2022-6">Kroger-owned grocery stores, as well</a>. Kitchen United CEO Michael Montagano said one of the advantages of opening a concept inside Kitchen United "is that restaurants have much lower start-up and operating costs, making it a perfect fit for entering new markets."Nathaniel Lawton, vice president of New Ventures at Chipotle, joined the chain in February 2022 and hired Appleman to help create the Farmesa concept. Appleman, who led menu innovations for Chipotle in the mid-to-late 2000s, is the director of culinary innovation at Farmesa.The menu, which took about six months to develop, also features still and sparkling water, and certified organic lemonades and agua fresca drinks from Tractor Beverage Company. <a href="https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/chipotle-mexican-grill-adds-new-line-organic-lemonades-and-agua-frescas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tractor drinks are sold at Chipotle</a>. Chipotle is not a newcomer when testing or investing in new restaurant concepts. Chipotle is a backer of the Colorado fast-casual pizza chain Pizzeria Locale. In 2016, <a href="https://www.nrn.com/operations/tasty-made-closes-permanently-ohio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the company created the burger chain Tasty Made in Ohio but closed it two years later.</a> In 2011, the company debuted ShopHouse Asian Kitchen. <a href="https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/exclusive-chipotle-closing-shophouse-chain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Nation's Restaurant News</a>, it grew to 15 locations before shuttering all stores in 2017.

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