The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed what people are buying by Eunice Esomonu April 1, 2020 by Kaitlyn Budion Share Facebook LinkedIn Twitter A customer loads toilet paper into the trunk of his car after shopping at a Stop & Shop supermarket that opened special morning hours to serve people 60-years and older due to coronavirus concerns on March 20, 2020, in Teaneck, N.J. AP Photo/John Minchillo It’s highly unlikely that any economist or trend expert could have predicted the hottest products of 2020: powdered milk products, medical supplies, and rubbing alcohol. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the items on everyone’s grocery lists, as people adjust to isolation and worry about shortages on seemingly random items (see: toilet paper). Data from Nielsen Global Connect shows how consumer behaviors have changed with various items before the outbreak, after the first cases in the United States, and after suspected local transmission. Hover over each bar to see the exact percent increase or decrease for each product. Before COVID-19 Outbreak (Dec. 28, 2019) After first confirmed U.S. COVID-19 cases (Feb. 1, 2020) After suspected local transmission (Feb. 29, 2020)