A report by the Secretaria de Fazenda in Rio Grande do Sul highlights that beef is the most consumed product among beneficiaries of the state's Devolve ICMS program. This program allows residents to receive cashback on state taxes and has been particularly beneficial for low-income families. The report illustrates a broader trend of essential food items such as beverages and dairy products also being among the top ten purchases made with the cash back credit.

In the last quarter of 2025, amounts spent on food, beverages, and medicines dominated the purchases made using CPF on invoices associated with the cashback program. Specifically, meat and edible offals accounted for 15.2% of total spending, which was followed closely by cereal-based products and various beverages, indicating a consistent consumer preference for these essentials. By offering these tax refunds, the program not only assists families financially but also impacts the local economy significantly by promoting the purchase of these staple foods.

Since its launch in 2021, the Devolve ICMS program has distributed over R$ 1 billion and reached more than 1 million families. The program guarantees a fixed quarterly payment of R$ 100 for families registered in the Cadastro Único, which is crucial for social support programs. As it continues to grow, the insights from this report could inform future policy decisions regarding the enhancement or expansion of similar programs to address food insecurity and bolster local economies effectively.