ARLINGTON, Va. — American shoppers remain remarkably upbeat about grocery shopping and steadfast in their habits, even as they grapple with higher prices and looming tariff impacts, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s newly released U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2025: The Logic of Food Shopping survey, conducted by The Hartman Group.
Drawing on qualitative and quantitative research among 2,019 U.S. grocery buyers, the study finds that consumers’ desire to “eat well” underpins their shopping choices, from store selection to meal planning. FMI’s President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin noted that the association’s Grocery Shopper Sentiment Index holds at a strong 72 out of 100, reflecting sustained enjoyment and engagement in the shopping experience.
“Despite the economic pressures they face, consumers overwhelmingly tell us they enjoy grocery shopping and that they are willing and able to budget in order to ‘eat well’ based on their specific values and needs,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. “In fact, our U.S. Grocery Shopper Sentiment Index is currently holding steady at 72 out of 100. While individual needs vary, by and large, most shoppers prioritize four things when shopping for food: health, entertainment, exploration and convenience. Satisfying these key needs are important to shoppers, and they tailor their overall budgets and food spending behaviors to ensure they ‘eat well’.”
Yet economic headwinds are unmistakable. Seven in ten Americans report being extremely or very worried about rising grocery prices, and 78% express concern over tariffs’ effects on the cost of imported foods and ingredients. Still, 75% say they feel in control of their food budgets, down from 85% confidence last September.
To stretch their dollars, shoppers rely on time‑tested tactics: making lists (83%), taking household inventory (79%), planning meals (69%) and hunting for coupons or discounts (60%).
The report also underscores the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Citing a Fabrizio, Lee & Associates poll of 1,000 registered voters conducted April 21–23, 2025, FMI reports that 70% of Americans support SNAP and oppose significant funding cuts.
Sarasin emphasized, “Our latest grocery shopper research underscores a critical opportunity for the industry to meet their customers where they are—navigating rising costs and economic uncertainty—while reinforcing the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, a vital anti-hunger program that provides just $6 a day to those most in need.”
“The American public is clear on this: 70% support SNAP, and a majority oppose any effort to significantly reduce its funding, according to an FMI national survey by leading pollster, Fabrizio, Lee & Associates. The future strength of this program isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a moral imperative and an economic necessity,” she said.
Learn more and find related resources at www.FMI.org/GroceryTrends.
Access the Fabrizio, Lee & Associates survey commissioned by FMI via FactsAboutSNAP.org
