Americans across the country have been paying more for staples such as meat, eggs, and poultry as well as everyday household goods due to the pandemic. Grocery prices skyrocketed beginning in March and still haven’t fallen to pre-pandemic levels. C+R Research recently surveyed 2,040 consumers and asked them how COVID-19 has affected their budget, shopping habits, and diets.
They found that 85% of American consumers report paying more for groceries during COVID-19 with an average weekly spend of $139. 75% report paying more for household goods like toilet paper during COVID-19. 65% have cut back on their food budget during the pandemic. The top ways consumers are cutting back on grocery spending: 1. Eating less meat 2. Seeking discounts 3. Eating less poultry 4. Avoiding organic items 5. Buying in bulk. 65% of respondents say they’d spend the majority of a second stimulus check on groceries and food if one were issued. The survey also provides a comprehensive breakdown of what consumers say they’re paying more for during the pandemic and then compares those responses against what consumers are actually paying more for during the pandemic based on data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
