Bread and baked products ranked number one for 2008, both in terms of consumer purchases and retail sales. According to AC Nielsen, a New York City market research company, 99 percent of U.S. homes purchased bread/baked products at least once during the 52 weeks ending June 28, 2008. The category generated $18.3 billion in sales through Nov. 1, 2008. Other popular consumer packaged categories include paper products, snacks and carbonated beverages.

Nielsen issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from pop culture to consumer packaged goods.

Top 10 consumer packaged goods, percentage of homes purchasing

  1. Bread/baked products, 99%
  2. Paper products, 99%
  3. Snacks, 98%
  4. Condiments, sauces, 98%
  5. Candy, 97%
  6. Milk, cream beverages, 97%
  7. Cheese, 97%
  8. Fresh produce, 96%
  9. Packaged meat (cold), 96%
  10. Carbonated beverages, 96%

Top 10 consumer packaged goods, dollars sold (in billions)

  1. Bread/baked products, $18.3
  2. Carbonated beverages, $18.2
  3. Fresh produce, $16.5
  4. Milk, cream beverages, $16.3
  5. Paper products, $14.8
  6. Snacks, $14.6
  7. Packaged meat (cold), $13.2
  8. Cheese, $13.1
  9. Prepared foods (frozen), $11.3
  10. Pet food, $10.9