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1. Online reviews are key when making purchases, while 3-in-4 turn to Google at least weekly for general information.

More than a quarter of U.S. adults ‘always’ consult online reviews for items they want to purchase, compared to just 1-in-10 who ‘never’ do this.1 The percentage of frequent online review-checkers jumps above 40% among those who strongly value a company’s social consciousness and kindness.

Meanwhile, three-quarters of U.S. adults say they turn to Google to research information on a person, event, or topic they’re unfamiliar with, including over 2-in-5 who turn to Google for this purpose daily. Those who most rely on online reviews are much more likely to rely on Google daily compared to those who don’t.

Take Our Poll: Do online reviews influence your purchases?

2. Roughly a third of Americans are interested in trying the new Japanese-inspired menu items from 7-Eleven.

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven is bringing Japanese-style menu items to the United States, such as ramen and rice balls. Following the announcement, CivicScience data show that 32% of all U.S. Adults and 41% of convenience store customers are at least ‘somewhat’ likely to try the new menu items available at some locations. In particular, they’re most interested in trying chicken and beef-based menu items.

3. Many consumers have baking plans as the fall season rapidly approaches, with dessert items leading the way.

Slightly more than two-thirds of Americans plan to bake this fall, with cookies and brownies topping the list of popular desserts. Gen Z adults lead the way among those with fall baking plans, especially when it comes to dessert items, while adults 55 and older are the least likely to bake any of the items studied this fall.

In terms of fall flavors beyond pumpkin spice, Americans rate ‘brown sugar cinnamon’ as the top flavor they’re most interested in ordering, either in coffee or baked goods. 

Let Us Know: Is fall your favorite season for baked goods?

Want the full story? CivicScience clients receive exclusive access to the data in the weekly SPEC Report, plus even more in-depth insights.

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