Consumers Adjusting to Grocery Costs, Find Comfort in At-Home Meal Routines
Consumers remain concerned about grocery prices and the potential impact of tariffs, but some may be showing a level of acceptance of the current pricing environment, according to new consumer data from FMI — The Food Industry Association.
The survey of nearly 1,600 consumers conducted at the end of July found that 66% of shoppers remain extremely or very concerned about retail food prices, down five percentage points from February of this year. The number of shoppers concerned about the impact of tariffs on food is up six percentage points from January 2025 to 55%. Getting a good value remains a top/high priority of 82% of consumers (+3 points from Aug. 2024), and 79% said they feel at least some control over their grocery finances (+4 from Feb. 2025).
Parents remain much more concerned than others about retail food prices (73% extremely or very concerned, similar to February), but also more confident than others about managing their food expenses. More than others, parents ask retailers for convenient solutions and pursue deliberate shopping strategies, especially those oriented around convenience and values.
Additionally, shoppers continue to see “getting good value” as a top priority as they shop for groceries, a task that rises in importance with shoppers’ age. For more than half of consumers, this is more important now than a year ago. Three-quarters (76%) feel that they often or always “get good value” at their primary store, though many (64%) maximize the value by shopping at a mix of stores.
With a focus on value, 67% said they make efficient use of food they buy, 59% said they only buy the amount of food absolutely needed, and 48% only purchase certain items that are on sale. Only 30% said they would pay more to avoid shopping multiple stores.
FMI’s survey also found that 44% of U.S. grocery shoppers embrace a weekly mealtime tradition, and more are building new eating routines this fall. Also, 36% of shoppers said they eat dinner at home with others seven days of the week, with 6 p.m. remaining peak dinnertime.
More than two-thirds of shoppers are forming new routines this fall centered around their food habits, FMI said. More than half of Americans plan to prepare more meals at home, dine at more consistent times, and prioritize shared meals. The analysis suggests that many are cooking more, keeping consistent schedules, and creating memorable mealtime experiences with family and friends.
“Shoppers are showing us that food is more than just fuel, it’s a way to connect, celebrate, and create traditions,” Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI, said. “Our research shows that even as lifestyles evolve, shoppers are finding comfort and joy in routines that bring people together, and that’s a powerful signal for our industry and our mission to feed and enrich lives.”
With daily meal preparation expected to play a larger role for families through the final months of 2025, this presents new opportunities for retailers. When asked how retailers can ease meal prep, 45% of consumers said stores could provide better value food options, up six percentage points from Feb. 2025.
Other suggestions from consumers include:
• Larger selection of easy-to-prep foods: 37%
• More ready-to-eat meals: 29%
• Better selection of meal kits: 26%
• More ready-to-eat side dishes: 25%
• Weekly meal plans: 24%
• More part-prepped meal options: 23%
