The recession that has gripped much of the world over the last year has caused consumers to seek out entertainment that provides the best value for money.

U.S. households without children spent 19% more on liquor and wine, and 14% more on vitamins than average American households during the 52 weeks ending June 28, 2008, according to Nielsen.
Although households are often assumed to be conventional families with children, most U.S. households do not have children under the age of 18.  In fact, households without children account for roughly 65% of all U.S. households. 
According to Nielsen, these households represent 77.5% of liquor and wine dollar sales, 74% of vitamin dollar sales, and 73.6% of floral/gardening product and tobacco dollar sales.
Other categories skewing to households without children include medications/remedies, …

U.S. households earning $100,000 or more in annual income, spent more than twice as much on wine than average American consumers during the 52 weeks ending June 28, 2008.
Although they represent only 18.7% of U.S. households, high-income households represented 39.6% of wine dollar sales during the time period. 
Other categories skewing to households with high incomes include diet aids, liquor, and floral/gardening supplies.

Rank
(by highest index)
Top 10 Category Purchases:
U.S. Households
With $100,000+ Annual Income
Dollar Volume Index*

1
Wine
212

2
Diet Aids
158

3
Liquor
156

4
Floral / Gardening
155

5
Baby Needs
152

6
Snacks / Spreads / Dairy Dips
148

7
Baby Food
147

8
Skin Care Preparations
147

9
Fresh Produce
144

10
Juices / Refrigerated Drinks
142

*Note: “Dollar Volume …