Survey finds Americans are willing to excuse unhealthy eating due to inflation
While many Americans blame their shrinking wallets on rising inflation, some may begin blaming their growing waistlines on the rise in cost of living as well. In an online survey of over 2,000 adults throughout the United States, Atomik Research found that 30% of adults in the U.S. indicate they are willing to acknowledge that inflation is to blame for eating less healthy. According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices rose 11.4% in the past year.
After reducing spending on dining out and taking reasonable measures to reduce excess from one’s diet are still not enough to make budgets work, the next potential area of savings can be found in compromised quality or nutrition of food. In fact, budget-conscious shoppers throughout the United States are finding it more difficult to afford healthy food. This lack of affordability is leading to more Americans swapping out healthier, nutritious options for highly processed foods and the occasional meal out is more likely to take place in a drive-through rather than a sit-down restaurant for many cash-strapped consumers.
However, with more big box retailers providing more accessible price points to organic foods through their private labels, the price gap between conventional and organic groceries is shrinking. With the majority of U.S. consumers (70%) unwilling to use inflation as an excuse to eat less healthy, private label organic grocery items could offer options to those looking to maintain a healthy diet without compromising on the quality of food or breaking the bank.
Interested in learning more about consumers’ shifting purchasing habits during a time of soaring inflation and economic uncertainty? Reach out to us here to learn how Atomik Research offers brands the opportunity to gain valuable insights.
