The survey suggests that the consumer slowdown, linked to the downturn in the housing market, is continuing.

ECONOMIST: Overview | The

Smart business operators respond to consumer demand: 67 percent of Americans, according to a survey last year by market research firm Mintel, choose healthy foods to get or stay well.

FORBES: To Anti-Sugar Zealots, Nothing Short Of A Coca-Cola Ban Is Enough

Still, consumers are more optimistic that the job market is healing and will deliver higher pay later this year, according to a survey of April consumer confidence released this week.

NPR: US Jobless Claims Fall To 5-Year Low Of 324K