Consumers’ Buying Behavior Has Changed

It is no surprise grocery shoppers’ behavior has changed in the last year, mostly driven by economic pressures. But, there is more to it than just the dollars, according to the December Consumer Food Insights (CFI) report.

This survey-based report, published by Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability, looks at food spending, consumer satisfaction and values, support of agricultural and food policies and trust in information sources. 

Purdue conducted and evaluated the survey based on information received from 1,200 consumers across the nation.

The report has CFI data listed by household income and included new questions about consumer changes in grocery spending behavior in 2025. 

Eighty-two percent of those questioned said they changed their shopping habits to seek and wait for sales and discounts, while also switching to cheaper brands and buying only what they need.

But surprisingly, only five percent expected to continue these shopping changes into 2026. Most viewed these changes as temporary instead of permanent until prices dropped.

The survey reported 63 percent had household incomes of over $100,000 and were more likely to blame high food prices as their reason to change, as compared to 52 percent of those with lower incomes – those earning less than $50,000. 

Middle income consumers were more worried about jobs, housing, utilities and healthcare, compared to 24 percent of lower income households.

I believe – and I would bet most people agree – grocery prices are not going to come down in 2026. If anything, grocery stores will likely keep prices high and reduce the size of products.

National food insecurity was reported at 14 percent in December 2025, which was two percent lower than the previous month. I believe this figure will only grow through 2026.

Consumer food spending is really driven by taste, safety and affordability, according to the latest Sustainable Food Purchasing Index, regardless of income level.

The report noted consumer food spending will continue to rise. Households were reported to spend an average of $133 weekly on groceries and $72 dining out in December 2025.

Consumers are also asking what will happen to the price of beef in grocery stores, while beef producers are asking if they saw peak cattle prices last fall or if higher prices will continue in 2026.

Currently, one of the factors guiding beef prices is the large amount of beef imports coming into the country, but one has to realize, with the border between the U.S. and Mexico shut down, live cattle are a premium. 

Mexico is finding ways to process their cattle and export their beef products to the U.S. 

Current expectations are for beef demand to continue to grow in 2026, both nationally and worldwide, but this demand is not coming from exports to China as they have stopped all U.S. beef coming into their country. 

In fact, they have let all permits from U.S. beef processors expire, and they are not doing anything about it. As we all know, China has great potential for U.S. beef, but the U.S. is finding other countries to export beef to and we have to hold our breath on tariffs. 

Experts are saying when cattle prices do show signs of falling, it shouldn’t happen as quickly as it did 10 years ago.