Surprisingly, the squeeze of inflation hasn’t significantly impacted grocery shoppers’ spending habits, according to a new report. And when they do spend more, it’s often on health-conscious items.
In 2023, 13% of household budgets went toward food—the same portion as in 2013, according to U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2025 by FMI—The Food Industry Association. Similarly, the survey showed little change in food spending over the last year. In January and February 2024, shoppers spent an average of $165 per week; a year later, that figure rose slightly to $170.
“American grocery shoppers have been through a lot in recent years, particularly the last five years,” said FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin. “Despite all these challenges, though, shoppers have remained resilient.”
One reason grocery spending may not have risen sharply is that more consumers are shopping at multiple stores. FMI research found shoppers now visit more than five grocery stores in a typical month, up from fewer than five last year.
While consumer grocery spending habits haven’t changed much in terms of dollar amount, the means shoppers are using to purchase certainly has. A recent survey indicates that 25% of those using buy now, pay later options said they’ve used the service to buy groceries—up from 14% a year ago.
Back to the FMI survey: Where people shop varies by demographic.Baby boomers and Gen X prefer supermarkets, while millennials and Gen Z gravitate toward warehouse clubs and big-box retailers.
Overall, grocery shopping habits have remained steady because many consumers are focused on eating healthy, FMI found.
Sarasin said consumers’ aspirations to eat well guide their choices about where they shop, what they buy, and how they cook. The survey revealed health and nutrition are the main reasons shoppers are willing to stretch their budgets. Most respondents said they view it as an investment in both short- and long-term health.
Still, grocery prices remain a top concern. Seventy percent of shoppers say they are extremely or very worried about rising prices, and 57% are very or extremely concerned about tariffs and their potential impact on food costs.
Even so, the overall grocery shopping experience remains positive. FMI’s U.S. Shopper Sentiment Index stands at 72 out of 100, up from 70 in February 2024.
“So ultimately, while concerns are high, shoppers still feel they have some control over their household spending,” Sarasin said.
What’s next for SNAP?
FMI also addressed what’s at stake for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this year as Congress debates federal budgets. The House proposal calls for $230 billion in U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts through 2034, with many fearing SNAP will be most affected. The Senate has proposed just $1 billion in USDA cuts.
According to the FMI study, 59% of respondents oppose cutting or reducing SNAP benefits, and 49% said they are strongly opposed.
“Voters understand what is at stake here,” said Jennifer Hatcher, FMI’s chief public policy officer and SVP, Government and Public Affairs. “They make it clear how unpopular it is in their minds for lawmakers to significantly scale back benefits.”
Hatcher said Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has vowed not to cut SNAP benefits. Instead, he plans to pursue administrative savings, cost-sharing measures and other alternatives.