As food prices rise, Americans are rethinking how they eat out and shop for groceries. New industry data highlights these changes and sheds light on consumer behavior.
According to a report by Buyers Edge Platform, appetizer orders in restaurants jumped 20% over the past year. Popular items include mozzarella sticks, which increased by 36%, pickle chips at 35%, and cheese curds, up 33%. Interestingly, dessert orders have dropped by 2%.
Jim Pazzanese, an executive at Buyers Edge, notes that this increase in appetizers might be linked to promotions and drink specials, making them a more appealing choice for diners.
Supermarket shopping habits are shifting too. The Food Institute reports that many shoppers are choosing private labels instead of national brands. This switch can lead to savings of 10-20%, according to CEO Brian Choi. He added that food price inflation has been ongoing since mid-2025, with grocery prices increasing by 1.9-2.7% year over year. This trend is expected to continue, with private labels likely to surpass national brands in 2026.
Despite these challenges, a staggering 30-40% of food in the U.S. still goes to waste, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This waste contributes to higher prices and food insecurity, particularly as climate change leads to crop failures globally.
To combat food waste, companies like Martie have emerged. They sell name-brand surplus items at discounts of up to 80%. Their offerings include snacks, coffee, pasta, and other essentials, making it easier to save money amid rising costs.
According to the Department of Agriculture, food prices will likely increase again, predicting a 3.0% rise in 2026. As consumers adapt to these changes, they are becoming more strategic about their food choices, aiming to save money and reduce waste.
For up-to-date statistics and insights on consumer behavior, you can refer to resources like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Buyers Edge Platform.
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