In 2025, many shoppers changed the way they buy groceries due to rising costs, as highlighted in the December Consumer Food Insights Report from Purdue University. This survey involved over 1,200 consumers in the U.S. and looked at how spending habits shifted over the year.
According to Joseph Balagtas, a professor at Purdue, about 82% of participants altered their shopping behaviors. The most common changes included looking for sales, opting for cheaper brands, and cutting back on non-essential items. However, only 5% believe these adjustments will carry into 2026, indicating that many view them as temporary fixes.
One significant reason for these shifts was higher food prices, cited by 56% of respondents. Interestingly, higher-income households were more likely to feel the pinch than lower-income ones regarding food prices (63% vs. 52%). For 17% of lower-income families, job loss or decreased income was a key factor in their shopping changes.
Looking ahead, many shoppers—56% currently—are unsure if they can maintain these new habits in 2026. Nationally, food insecurity stands at 14%, slightly lower than a month earlier but significantly higher than last year. Moreover, the average diet quality score remains below healthy standards, with many people, regardless of income, struggling to meet nutritional guidelines.
On average, households are spending $133 on groceries and $72 on dining out each week. Consumer perceptions of food inflation are higher than the official figures, revealing a gap that suggests ongoing economic concern. As Balagtas puts it, “Consumers are tracking inflation trends closely.”
Trust in food and health information varies. Primary care providers are the most trusted sources, while media and food companies score much lower, particularly among higher-income consumers who tend to be more skeptical.
This report is part of broader efforts by the Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability at Purdue, which aims to enhance our food system’s efficiency and sustainability. For more on their insights and research, check out their dashboards and resources.
These changing shopping behaviors highlight an ongoing need for consumers to adapt in a fluctuating economy. Understanding these trends can help policymakers and businesses better serve communities and respond to their needs.
