American Consumers' Average Weekly Grocery Spending Increased by 17% During the Pandemic, Despite Fewer Trips

Rhea-AI Summary

The recent LendingTree survey reveals significant changes in grocery shopping habits due to the pandemic. Average weekly grocery spending surged by 17%, rising from $163 to $190.

Approximately 31% of consumers report frequently overspending, with men notably overspending more than women. Despite going to stores less often, 63% of consumers now order food delivery weekly, particularly Gen X at 86%.

This increased spending amounts to around $100 more monthly, impacting household budgets during the ongoing crisis.

Positive

• Average weekly grocery spending increased by 17%, from $163 to $190.
• 63% of consumers order food delivery at least once a week, reflecting a shift in shopping habits.

Negative

• Despite higher spending, nearly a third of respondents report often overspending at grocery stores.
• Consumers are visiting grocery stores less frequently, which may impact local markets.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The pandemic has reshaped so much of our lives, including the way we shop for groceries. From how often people shop to how much they spend, to which products they buy, the COVID-19 crisis has had an impact, according to a recent LendingTree survey.

Key findings

• American consumers' average weekly grocery spending increased by 17%, from $163 pre-pandemic to $190 now.
• Nearly a third of respondents (31%) say they "almost always" overspend at the grocery store. Men (44%) are twice as likely as women (20%) to exceed their food budget.
• About 4 in 10 consumers say they are going to the grocery store less often than they did pre-pandemic. However, men (51%) say they are going grocery shopping more often – women (49%) are the ones taking fewer trips.
• More than half (53%) of our respondents say they hit up multiple grocery stores per shopping trip. For example, they head to wholesale stores for bulk items and then the supermarket for everyday needs.
• Parents overspend most often, and also shop more frequently due to the pandemic than non-parents. To make up for it, 54% are couponing more frequently, and 60% say they visit multiple stores in search of sales items.
• To cut down on shopping trips, 63% of consumers order food delivery at least once a week. Generation X orders delivery the most – 86% do so at least once per week, and of that group, 21% do so three or more times.

Whether it's due to having more family members at home for every meal or because consumers tend to panic shop and stock up in times of crisis, the pandemic has definitely brought with it increased grocery spending costing households around $100 more a month than before the spread of the coronavirus. In fact, another LendingTree study found grocery store spending is up in 49 states.

"The more you plan and avoid impulse purchases, the better off you'll be," said LendingTree's Chief Credit Analyst, Matt Schulz. "Add in some coupons, watch for sales, and earn cash back, and you can maximize your grocery spend even more."

To view the full report, visit: https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/survey-grocery-shopping-food-buying-pandemic/

Methodology
LendingTree commissioned Qualtrics to conduct an online survey of 1,052 consumers in the U.S., with the sample base proportioned to represent the overall population. The survey was fielded Sept. 18-22, 2020.

About LendingTree
LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE) is the nation's leading online marketplace that connects consumers with the choices they need to be confident in their financial decisions. LendingTree empowers consumers to shop for financial services the same way they would shop for airline tickets or hotel stays, comparing multiple offers from a nationwide network of over 500 partners in one simple search, and can choose the option that best fits their financial needs. Services include mortgage loans, mortgage refinances, auto loans, personal loans, business loans, student loans, insurance, credit cards and more. Through the My LendingTree platform, consumers receive free credit scores, credit monitoring and recommendations to improve credit health. My LendingTree proactively compares consumers' credit accounts against offers on our network and notifies consumers when there is an opportunity to save money. In short, LendingTree's purpose is to help simplify financial decisions for life's meaningful moments through choice, education and support. LendingTree, LLC is a subsidiary of LendingTree, Inc. For more information, go to www.lendingtree.com, dial 800-555-TREE, like our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter @LendingTree

MEDIA CONTACT:
Morgan Lanier
morgan@lendingtreenews.com

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SOURCE LendingTree.com

FAQ

How much has grocery spending increased during the pandemic for TREE?

Average weekly grocery spending has increased by 17%, rising from $163 to $190.

What percentage of consumers overspend at grocery stores according to TREE's survey?

31% of consumers report that they 'almost always' overspend at grocery stores.

How often do consumers order food delivery during the pandemic according to TREE?

63% of consumers now order food delivery at least once a week.

What was the sample size and methodology of TREE's grocery shopping survey?

The survey included 1,052 consumers and was conducted online by Qualtrics.

What impact has the pandemic had on grocery shopping frequency according to TREE?

About 4 in 10 consumers go to the grocery store less often than before the pandemic.