Inflation: 3 changes in consumers eating habits

In early 2023, food inflation in Europe reached 19.06% according to Eurostat¹. On a global scale, the current increase in food prices is averaging between 5% and 30%, depending on the region, and at times exceed 50%. Faced with what is a historic increase, many households have adopted new behaviours and changed their eating habits.

1-Changing eating habits

Many households have changed the types of food they consume in addition to cooking at home more often. In France, a study by the Fondation Nestlé France found that 81% of people said they were buying more products on special offer, whilst 75% were limiting unnecessary purchases and 72% were cooking with leftovers to save money². Similarly, a recent Apaq (Wallon Agency to Promote a Quality Agriculture) survey shows that one in four Belgians plan to spend less on ready meals and cook more, to save money. In Belgium, 52% say they have changed their eating habits because of inflation³. In southern Europe, 77% of Spaniards say they have modified their consumer behaviour in a similar way to cope with rising food prices⁴. In addition, 45% are limiting their spending on meat and 39% have cut down on purchases of fish and seafood to save money⁵. In Canada, 58% of the population say they have reduced their food expenditure to combat inflation and would like to continue doing so⁶. Finally, globally, 43% of consumers now shop according to what they have left at home instead of constantly buying new products regardless of how much they have to use up. And in recent months, 32% have focused on the purchase of food staples⁷. 

"In France, 81% of people said they were buying more products on special offer, whilst 75% were limiting unnecessary purchases and 72% were cooking with leftovers to save money"

2-Cutting back on restaurants and deliveries

With general inflation leading to a significant increase in prices in both supermarkets and restaurants, many households have chosen to limit the number of times they eat out or order home deliveries in order to save money. In Europe, as indeed over in Canada, the figures on this issue speak for themselves:  

- 72% of French people say they have avoided going to restaurants or fast-food outlets since inflation began to rise² 

- 21% of Britons say they now avoid social events and outings to avoid spending too much money⁸

62% of Germans say they eat out less often than before, and 68% of them order less food and drink when they do⁹

60% of Canadians plan to eat out less often in the next few months, to reduce household expenses¹⁰.

In Italy, more than 80% of households say they have rediscovered the art of cooking for themselves in a bid to cope with rising prices

3-More cooking!

To offset rising food prices and still eat a balanced diet, many households are turning to home-cooked meals. Indeed, prepared meals have also seen a rise in prices, prompting consumers to turn to their stoves.¹¹. In France, for example, there are several examples of this phenomenon¹²but are also turning to new trends, such as batch cooking, as a way of cutting costs.¹³. In Italy, over 80% of households claim to have rediscovered the art of cooking for themselves, in a bid to cope with rising prices¹⁴. Similarly, 36% of Britons say they now prefer to cook rather than eat out, to save money.¹⁵. Across the Atlantic, people's testimonies are similar to those of Europeans. Indeed, 41% of Americans have increased the number of home-cooked meals in the last twelve months¹⁶. Finally, a recent article in Food Technology Magazine highlights the fact that 26% of Americans intend to cook more than before in 2023¹⁷. 

About us Mealz

Mealz answers the inevitable question: "What's for dinner?", by inspiring consumers with quick and easy meal ideas. With 5-ingredient, 5-step recipes, cooking more to cope with inflation is accessible to all. What's more, Mealz offers consumers collections of meal ideas with a budget of no more than 3 or 4 euros per person. And consumers can modify all recipe ingredients from a selection of similar, less expensive products. With one click, they can return to the products suggested by the Mealz algorithm following analysis of their previous purchases.

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