Israelis adore burekas, but is it true for pastries? On the nation's 76th Independence Day, we delve into the most popular carbs, the cherished burekas, prevalent bread types, and how continuous warfare influences carb consumption!
To decipher this, we tapped into Ma'afe Ne'eman, leading in the pastry realm for 80 years, unveiling purchase data and Israeli preferences from its 63 branches nationwide. Definitively determining the most loved carb, top-purchased categories, and Israelis' consumption habits, alongside war's impact on carb intake.
Leading categories mirrored consumers' average shopping carts. Results depict purchases measured across a year from all network branches, showcasing prominent categories and taste profiles, along with purchase percentages.
Impact of Warfare on Carb Consumption
Top and most purchased categories include: Burekas, bread, dry cookies, yeast cakes, and cream cakes.
Mimi Ne'eman Shayak, from Ma'afe Ne'eman, adds: "Undoubtedly, Israelis adore carbs and bread. Pastries and bread (especially) are basic dietary staples from early history, found in every Israeli household in various forms: bread, burekas, cookies, cakes, and more. Each year introduces new flavors and combinations, fostering bakery sector evolution with rich, tasty, and exciting collections."
For decades, we've witnessed a two-digit rise in demand and consumption of various pastry types since the war's onset. Stress elevates hunger hormones like cortisol and ghrelin, inducing cravings and affecting carb choice, particularly sweet carbs, in daily dietary routines."
Burekas - Pastry Royalty
The top-selling pastry is burekas, overshadowing all other pastry categories:
Cheese burekas - 36%Potato burekas - 20%Pizza burekas - 14%Bourekitas - 13%Spinach burekas - 8%Other flavors - 9%General Bread Categories (Various Types):
Classic rolls (finger) - 33%Pitas - 20%Bagels - 15%Braided rolls - 8%Other bread types - 7%
Breads:
Whole grain bread - 30%Whole wheat spelt bread - 22%Olive bread - 20%White bread - 13%Nut bread - 12%Other types - 3%
Biscotti - 27%Alphabets - 24%Date cookies - 16%Jam-filled cookies - 14%Sesame cookies - 12%Other flavors - 7%
Yeast Cakes:
Chocolate yeast cake - 28%Cheese yeast cake - 20%Cinnamon yeast cake - 18%Halva yeast cake - 14%Plain yeast cake - 12%Other flavors - 8%
Cream Cakes:
Chocolate muffins - 24%Halva - 22%Cream cheese - 20%Nougat - 17%Cheesecake - 11%Other flavors - 6%