Inflation squeezes the produce aisle: 33 percent of US shoppers cut back on fruits and veggies

More than one-third of American households have reduced their fresh produce purchases due to inflation, according to a new survey from Advance America. The financial services firm attributed the shortfall to a six percent uptick in fruit and vegetable prices over the past year.

Furthermore, about 20 percent of respondents said they switched from fresh to frozen produce over the past year, while nine percent said they turned to canned produce. Another nine percent reported no longer buying certain fruits, and six percent said they replaced fresh produce with less expensive processed foods.

The trend is prevalent across state lines, but the extent of the cutbacks varies by location. Colorado recorded the highest share of households reducing fresh produce purchases at 60 percent, followed by Alaska, Iowa, and Oregon at 50 percent each. Mississippi and West Virginia each reported a 48 percent drop, while Delaware had the lowest cutback rate at 12 percent.

The report also highlighted the financial choices some families are making to manage grocery budgets: About three percent of parents said they had stopped buying produce for themselves so they could reserve it for their children.

Inflation aftermath: Health concerns grow alongside grocery bills

Rising grocery costs are also influencing how consumers view their diets and overall health, Advance America noted in the assessment: 51 percent of respondents confessed that their diet is less healthy than it was two to three years ago because of grocery costs. In addition, 64 percent said they worry at least occasionally about their nutritional health, including 24 percent who said they worry frequently.

Consumers also reported frustration with higher food prices: 40 percent said grocery inflation made them feel frustrated, while 25 percent said it made them feel angry.

According to the latest United States Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price data, food prices have remained above historical 3.5 percent averages in recent years, although inflation has moderated from its 2022 peak.

*All images are referential. 

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