Bread Consumption Trends Could Create Political Fallout

Shifting trends in the baked goods Americans buy – whether white bread, whole grain bread, bagels, buns, rolls or tortillas – say a lot about the population, the country and about politics, according to The Washington Post’s Wonkblog. One key indicator is tortilla sales, which a few years ago accounted for 12 percent of industrial bread sales but are now up to 17 percent. The love affair with “wraps” is a sign of America’s growing focus on carbs and weight management. But it also reflects the buying power of America’s fast-growing Hispanic population which, in terms of politics, is significantly left leaning. Another interesting facet of bread politics: the Republican Party may take a hit in contributions if major Republican donor Flowers Foods, maker of Wonder Bread and other brands, continues to be adversely affected by falling white bread sales.