Dietary Alterations Due to Changes in Cost of Living
Dietary Alterations Due to Changes in Cost of Living
Dietary Alterations Due to Changes in Cost of LivingThere’s no denying the cost of living has altered the way the average shopper eats. Whether by pushing restaurant fans in the direction of home dining or forcing shoppers to trim their grocery lists, food trends favoring a more selective way of viewing food will be a must for cautious consumers. More and more, trimming expenses will mean opting to eat in rather than dining out.Grocery prices will also continue to drive eating habits, with many already switching to the cheapest grocery stores to keep food costs down. Fluctuating costs of eggs, meat and other kitchen staples could create a shift toward more plant-based eating and a general reduction in portion size of the most expensive products. Produce items experience less up-and-down activity than other sections of the store, saving essential dollars while introducing a more health-oriented diet into U.S. homes. In addition, consumers will have the chance to expand their culinary repertoire while searching for substitutes for products that no longer fit into their budget. Whether using a lower-cost alternative to ever-costly olive oil or trying affordable tofu in place of continually higher-priced chicken, budget squeezes can see consumers’ ingredients and recipes expand outside what they are used to. Food trends around enjoyment of home indulgences are also likely to steer eaters to changes in habit like brewing coffee at home rather than entertaining increasing prices at coffee chains. Rather than viewing these changes as sacrifices, those who embrace food trends that save money will begin to see the alteration as a way to free up crucial funds for other necessities.