More Ordering Groceries Online; Fewer Dining Out

Americans are changing how they shop for groceries and dine out, according to Gallup's latest Consumption Habits survey. Weekly online grocery ordering has climbed to 15%, up from just 4% in 2019, while the percentage shopping for groceries in person at least once a week has fallen to a record-low 74%. Restaurant visits are also declining, with 39% dining out weekly compared with 53% in 2019. The decline in restaurant dining has been particularly pronounced among middle- and upper-income Americans, while weekly takeout ordering has settled at 31%, down from its pandemic-era peak of 39%.

As consumers make fewer trips to grocery stores and restaurants, supermarkets, grocery delivery services, restaurants, quick-service chains, meal preparation businesses and convenience stores need to give customers compelling reasons to choose them. Sellers can encourage these advertisers to emphasize convenience, online ordering, pickup and delivery services, loyalty rewards and affordable meal options that appeal to changing shopping and dining habits.