In the lead-up to World Bread Day, a study has been revealed that details the consumption of this essential food in the country, a fundamental component in the diets of many Chilean families, especially during breakfast and tea time, with 8 out of 10 people including this food in both occasions.
The analysis indicates that, on average, families allocate around US31 per month for the purchase of bread, which amounts to approximately 16 kilos per household.
The most consumed varieties remain the marraqueta and hallulla, although ciabatta bread has begun to gain followers.
Changes in Preferences
Marraqueta continues to be the best-selling bread in the country, with more than 15 million units sold each month, highlighting its importance in Chilean nutrition.
Hallulla also has strong demand, consolidating itself as one of the most relevant products in supermarkets.
The frequency with which Chileans buy bread underscores its importance in the daily diet: people visit supermarkets between 6 and 7 times a month solely to purchase bread, a figure that can reach up to 10 times if both packaged and bulk bread are included.
However, the report also reveals a significant increase in the demand for more specialized varieties, such as sourdough ciabatta, which has seen its popularity grow by more than 600% so far in 2024.
This shift in consumption habits reflects a trend towards healthier and more sophisticated products, aligning with a search for well-being.
Packaged Bread and Other Options
It has been observed that packaged bread, especially those with modified atmosphere packaging, has gained popularity in recent years.
Packaged hallulla, which can last between 25 and 30 days, has become an accessible and long-lasting alternative for families. This type of bread stands out as an economical solution without sacrificing quality, contributing to household savings.
Additionally, in response to the growing interest in health, the range of lactose-free and vegan bread options has expanded, catering to the needs of consumers with dietary restrictions.
This diversification also includes whole grain and seed breads, reinforcing the trend towards more nutritious products aligned with new lifestyles.
Preferred Accompaniments
The study also analyzed the products that commonly accompany bread in the Chilean diet, highlighting the growth in popularity of cheeses and cold cuts from private labels.
Among cheeses, the most sought-after varieties are chanco, mantecoso, and gauda, with an increase in preference for 250-gram formats.
In the cold cuts category, serrano ham and Italian salami are the favorites to accompany bread, reflecting their relevance in Chilean cuisine.
Consumers opt for these private label products due to their competitive prices, which offer savings of between 5% and 15% compared to other brands.
