What do you think about when it’s back to school time? 

My mind quickly jumps to the world of backpacks, folders, and school supplies. I think about new clothes to impress on the first day.

I decided to dig into our consumer insights from online reviews to see what’s trending and consumers were talking about. These are trends that could only be revealed by Revuze’s Generative AI engine. To my surprise, my hypothesis was completely off.  The consumer reviews tell a different story than expected.

The product categories that had the highest share of discussion when it came to back to school were under dietary supplements and pain medication. Intrigued, I want to know what those two categories have to do with heading back to school.

I dug into the reviews to discover some interesting trends. Back to school for some means germs and getting sick. Many are trying to boost their immune system with dietary supplements. Others get sick quickly and seek immediate pain relief and want medication on hand to counteract any immediate illness that arises.

First, it is important to take note that no matter what category we discuss, both pain medication and dietary supplements are highly incentivized, at 69% and 59% respectively. Many parents received a promotional box ahead of the start of the school year.

Pain Relief and Back to School

Here are some of the key consumer trends in the pain relief category.

1. The Need for Pain Relief: As the back-to-school season kicks in, many parents expressed the importance of having pain relief options on hand. They highlighted how occasional fevers, headaches, and body aches can affect their children’s well-being during this time.
2. Brand Preferences: Several reviewers shared their preference for specific pain relief brands. Whether it was CVS, Advil, or other trusted names, they valued the reliability and effectiveness of these products when providing relief to their children.
3. Convenient and Effective Solutions: Parents appreciated pain relief options that were convenient and easy to administer. They mentioned the effectiveness of liquid-filled capsules or dissolve packs, making it easier for their children to take the medication without fuss.
4. Managing Illnesses: With the back-to-school period often coinciding with the onset of colds and flu, parents found pain relief products helpful in managing symptoms such as head colds, sore throats, and fevers. They recognized the importance of alleviating these discomforts so their children could focus on their studies.
5. Considerations and Recommendations: Some reviewers offered insights into factors like taste, duration of effectiveness, and the number of servings in the product. They shared experiences with dosing requirements and the need to ensure an adequate supply for their children’s pain relief needs.

Overall, the comments highlighted the significance of having effective pain relief options readily available during the back-to-school season. Parents valued the convenience, effectiveness, and brand reliability in managing their children’s pain and discomfort, ensuring they could stay focused and comfortable while attending school.

Dietary Supplements and Back to School

Now let’s look at the dietary supplement category:

1. 1. Boosting the Immune System: Many parents wanted to give their kids a little extra immune support as they geared up for another school year. They wanted supplements that could help strengthen their children’s immune systems and keep them healthy, especially with all those germs floating around. Products like Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup and immune support gummies received high praise for their immune-boosting properties.
      

“I want to make sure that I’m giving my child what I can to ensure he’s healthy all year long. I am confident and comfortable with this product as it’s safe and helps to build his immune system and well as shorten the few sniffles he gets during the back to school time.”

1. 1. Zzz’s and Sleep Support: Getting the little ones to settle down and catch 40 winks can be a struggle, especially when the back-to-school routine kicks in. That’s where melatonin supplements came to the rescue! Parents raved about melatonin gummies that helped their kids fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed. Plus, the grape flavor didn’t seem to be too shabby either!

“With all of the kids going back to school and cold and flu season creeping up on us, this stuff is a must have!!! Just a little bit and it boosts your kiddos immune system.. my kids were even around a family member that had a cold, yet never caught it. This stuff is a new mandatory for my medicine cabinet! The taste is not bad at all either”

1. Yummy Taste and Texture: Let’s be real, getting kids to take supplements can be like pulling teeth. But the good news is that some of these dietary supplements tasted pretty good! Parents were thrilled when their kids actually enjoyed taking them. From orange-flavored gummies to chewable tablets that were like candy, finding supplements that were tasty and had a pleasing texture was a win-win.
2. Natural and Familiar Ingredients: Parents had a thing for dietary supplements that packed a natural punch. They liked products that were made with recognizable and non-GMO ingredients. It gave them peace of mind knowing they were giving their kids something wholesome and safe, rather than a bunch of unknown chemicals.
3. Easy Peasy Administration: Convenience was key for busy parents. They appreciated supplements that were a breeze to give to their kids. Whether it was chewable tablets or gummies that were a hit, parents loved the simplicity of incorporating these supplements into their daily routines.

These themes show what parents were looking for when it came to choosing dietary supplements for their kids during the back-to-school season. They wanted to give their children a boost while keeping it hassle-free and enjoyable.

Now let’s dive in and look at the key drivers for 5 star reviews. As you can see that Kids use and Immune Support.

Conclusion

When it comes to back-to-school preparations, the focus is not only on backpacks and new clothes. Revuze’s Generative AI engine succeeded in capturing and revealing these unanticipated trends. Overall immune strength is top of mind with parents who are concerned with germ-packed classrooms. 

These consumer insights highlight the evolving priorities of parents when it comes to preparing their children for school. It’s clear that the desire to keep children healthy, alleviate discomfort, and provide immune support has become a significant focus. By understanding these trends, brands can better cater to the needs and preferences of parents during this crucial time of the year.

In conclusion, as back-to-school preparations evolve, it’s essential to consider the broader range of products that parents prioritize, such as pain medication and dietary supplements. By acknowledging these trends and meeting the expectations of parents, brands can ensure that they are providing the necessary support for children’s well-being and success throughout the school year.

Florence Broder