Consumers Adjust Grocery and Dining Habits as Food Costs Rise

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A new national survey shows that rising food prices are significantly impacting consumer buying habits, with nearly half of respondents saying increased costs have affected their grocery purchases. Shoppers are making tradeoffs, prioritizing affordability over taste and nutrition, and changing behaviors like eating more meals at home, relying on store brands, and cutting back on fresh foods like beef, pork, and produce.

Why it matters

This research provides critical insights into how the current economic climate is reshaping food consumption patterns across the country. As consumers grapple with higher prices, their decisions at the grocery store and restaurant reflect a constant balancing act between cost, convenience, and health - trends that have major implications for the entire food and agriculture industry.

The details

The survey, conducted by Stratovation Group and Inspire, found that nearly half of respondents are trying to make food last longer by stretching it into multiple meals, about three-quarters are using grocery pickup and delivery services, and about 70% have used a third-party grocery app. On the restaurant side, about half eat out once a week or twice a month, and 80% order delivery at least monthly, with DoorDash and UberEATS being the most popular services. As prices rise, shoppers say they would cut back on purchases of alcohol, gourmet foods, sweets, and beef.

• The survey was conducted in January 2026.

What they’re saying