Foodie News
Unity & Exhaustion: Johnsonville’s National Temperature Check Survey Uncovers Americans’ Yearning for Connection
New survey reveals Americans’ exhaustion with negativity and desire for connection. Johnsonville’s National Temperature Check uncovers unity amidst divisiveness.
Johnsonville, a popular sausage brand, has conducted a nationwide survey in partnership with The Harris Poll, to measure the thoughts and desires of Americans during a divisive and negative election year. The survey, titled “Johnsonville’s National Temperature Check,” has revealed some unexpected results that highlight Americans’ desire for unity and connection during a challenging time.
Exhaustion from the Negativity:
The survey reveals that an overwhelming 80% of adult Americans express exhaustion from the pervasive anger and negativity present in the media. With 9 out of 10 Americans desiring less negativity in news and social media platforms, it is clear that a significant majority is craving a more positive and uplifting environment. The survey also highlights that 84% of Americans believe that recent elections have not been bringing out the best behavior in people. These findings underscore the need for a shift towards a more hopeful and harmonious social atmosphere.
Missed Connections:
Despite the prevalence of social media and connectedness through technology, the survey demonstrates that Americans are feeling less connected on a personal level. A staggering 60% of respondents agreed that having fun with others has become harder lately. Furthermore, two-thirds of those polled disagreed with the notion that they are spending more time with others compared to five years ago. Additionally, 80% of Americans yearn to reconnect with individuals they miss dearly. These statistics reveal a deep longing for human connection that is intrinsic to the human experience.
Hanging Out Over Good Food:
Johnsonville’s survey indicates that sharing a meal with others can be a powerful catalyst for bridging gaps and fostering understanding. An impressive 91% of adults agreed that it is not necessary to agree with someone on every issue in order to enjoy a meal together. Moreover, 75% of Americans perceive people as inherently good. Interestingly, 71% also agreed that it is easier to spend time with individuals whose views they don’t necessarily agree with if they are sharing a meal they love. These findings illustrate the unifying power of food and the potential it holds for bringing people together.
Launching the “Keep It Juicy” Campaign:
In light of these survey results, Johnsonville is initiating a new brand campaign called “Keep It Juicy.” The campaign seeks to remind Americans to take a break, lower the temperature on negativity, and relish in good food with good company. By encouraging individuals to prioritize fun, togetherness, and enjoyment of delicious meals, Johnsonville aims to inject positivity back into the social fabric.
The “Keep It Juicy” campaign kicks off today with the launch of a new ad creative which can be viewed HERE, with additional initiatives to be announced at a later date.
To join the “Keep It Juicy” conversation, follow Johnsonville on Instagram, @Johnsonville and use the hashtag #KeepItJuicy.
For “Keep It Juicy” inspiration and more campaign extensions, visit www.johnsonville.com/keepitjuicy
The Johnsonville’s National Temperature Check survey unveils an important aspect of the American psyche – the desire for unity and connection. Despite the prevailing negativity and exhaustion, the majority of Americans yearn for a more positive, enjoyable, and connected society. Through initiatives like the “Keep It Juicy” campaign, Johnsonville aims to inspire individuals to embrace the joy of shared meals, fostering bonds with loved ones and even those with differing views. By emphasizing the importance of fun, food, and togetherness, Johnsonville seeks to encourage a more harmonious and inclusive America.
About Johnsonville, LLC
Johnsonville, LLC is a Wisconsin-based company that has become the top national sausage brand. They offer more than 80 different varieties of sausage and are present in over 40 countries, as well as over 75 professional, semi-pro, and college sports stadiums in the United States. Johnsonville was founded in 1945 and continues to be a family-owned business that employs and trains approximately 3,500 members across the globe. The company is driven by a team of passionate sausage-makers who are dedicated to their craft.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/
Author
Food and Beverage
Survey Finds Cooking Oil Now Influences Where Many Americans Choose to Eat
A new survey suggests cooking oil is no longer just a kitchen detail. Coast Packing found that 43% of Americans say a restaurant’s cooking oil influences where they choose to eat.
Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
New national survey data suggests cooking oil is becoming a visible factor in restaurant selection, with younger diners showing the strongest preferences.
A new national survey suggests that cooking oil is no longer just a back-of-house decision for restaurants. It is increasingly becoming part of how consumers decide where to eat.
According to new data released by Coast Packing Company, 43% of Americans say a restaurant’s cooking oil influences their dining choice. The survey, based on responses from 1,005 U.S. consumers, points to a clear shift in how ingredient decisions are perceived by the public.
The strongest signal comes from younger diners. Among adults ages 18 to 34, 52% say knowing whether a restaurant uses Beef Tallow or seed oils affects where they choose to eat. Among consumers 55 and older, that number falls to 33%.
The preference gap also shows up when diners are asked to choose between two otherwise identical restaurants. In that scenario, 31% of adults ages 18 to 34 say they would choose the restaurant using Beef Tallow, compared with 19% of adults 55 and older.
The survey also found that 24.7% of diners prefer restaurants to use traditional animal fats such as butter or Beef Tallow, while 15.6% prefer seed or vegetable oils. That suggests ingredient choices once treated mainly as operational decisions may now be influencing brand perception, menu appeal, and customer loyalty.
For restaurant operators, the findings point to a broader change in consumer behavior. Diners, especially younger ones, appear increasingly interested in how food is prepared and what ingredients are used behind the scenes. That shift aligns with wider food industry trends that emphasize transparency, flavor, and traditional preparation methods.
Coast Packing says the data builds on years of tracking consumer attitudes toward animal fats. Earlier research showed growing openness to ingredients such as Lard and Beef Tallow, particularly among younger consumers who associate them with flavor and old-school cooking. This latest survey goes a step further by suggesting those views are now influencing actual dining behavior.
The findings also match broader market signals. Whole Foods Market’s 2026 food trend forecast identified Beef Tallow as an emerging ingredient gaining visibility, while analysts continue to project growth in the global tallow sector through 2030.
Restaurants are unlikely to overhaul kitchen practices overnight. Still, the survey suggests cooking oil is becoming more than a technical ingredient choice. For a growing share of consumers, it is part of the dining experience itself.
For more information, visit Coast Packing Company.
External Links
- Back to Flavor, Back to Tallow white paper
- Email to request the full survey results
- Coast Packing Company official website
- Coast Packing TasteMap
- Healthy Fats Coalition
Visit the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for the latest food news, beverage trends, restaurant stories, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and community-driven lifestyle coverage.
Food and Beverage
JonnyPops Launches Refreshing New “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” Mini Frozen Pops
JonnyPops is launching No Sugar Added with Electrolytes mini frozen pops—an organic, dye-free treat with hydration support—coming April 2026.
Last Updated on March 31, 2026 by Daily News Staff
JonnyPops Launches Refreshing New “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” Mini Frozen Pops.
JonnyPops Launches Refreshing New “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” Mini Frozen Pops
A better-for-you frozen treat meets hydration support in a grab-and-go mini format.
If you’ve ever reached for something cold after a workout, a long day outside, or when you’re just not feeling 100%, you’re not alone — and JonnyPops says its fans have been telling that story for a while.
The Minnesota-based frozen treat brand announced it’s expanding its No Sugar Added Minis lineup with a new option designed to be both refreshing and functional: JonnyPops “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” mini frozen pops.
Fans asked for hydration-friendly pops — JonnyPops listened
According to the company, the new product was inspired by emails and social media comments from customers who were already using JonnyPops as a simple way to cool down and feel a little more hydrated.
JonnyPops says consumers shared stories about playing sports in the heat, spending time outdoors, or recovering from an illness — and how a frozen treat with hydration support would be the perfect pop for those moments.
That feedback led the brand to add electrolytes to its popular No Sugar Added Minis.
What’s inside the new minis
JonnyPops says the new “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” minis are built around the same standards fans expect from the brand, including:
- Organic ingredients
- No artificial dyes
- No added sugar
- Electrolytes for hydration support
- Layered flavors designed for a fun, refreshing bite
“Consumers often share with us how JonnyPops is part of their everyday moments,” said Erik Brust, Co-Founder of JonnyPops. “We hope that these new frozen pops will be loved by our fans and enjoyed in all moments that need a refreshing treat.”
When you can find them
JonnyPops says the new minis are expected to hit stores in April 2026.
For updates on availability and additional product news, visit www.jonnypops.com and follow JonnyPops on social media.
About JonnyPops
JonnyPops’ tagline is “A Better Pop for a Better World!™” and the company says its mission is to make “delicious, magical products” while helping make the world a kinder place.
The brand notes its pops are free from artificial dyes, made in a peanut-free facility, and include a kind deed printed on every pop stick.
JonnyPops was founded in a St. Olaf College dorm room and sold its first pops at Twin Cities farmers’ markets and local cafes in 2012. Today, the company employs 200+ people, produces its frozen pops in-house, and is sold through major retailers across all 50 states.
Learn more at jonnypops.com or follow @jonnypops on Instagram.
Media contact
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Authors
Last Updated on March 28, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) If you’re in need of a soup outside the usual mushroom or celery varieties, turn to another springtime favorite: carrots. More than just a veggie you can serve with dip, they’re creamy, delicious and pair well with ginger in this Creamy Carrot Soup. Discover more easy recipes for family meals at Culinary.net.
Creamy Carrot Soup
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) carrots
- 2 cups broth of choice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ginger
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- honey
- BLT wraps, for serving
- In blender, blend canned carrots, including juices, until smooth. Transfer to pot and add broth.
- Mix in brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger and orange juice. Bring to simmer then add cream. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Drizzle honey over each bowl. Serve with BLT wraps.
SOURCE:
