Increase in people eating at home: Supermarkets, delivery rejoice

More people are choosing to order in or cook their own meals than dine out amid rising costs and economic uncertainty. The behavior is lifting supermarket and food delivery sales while restaurants struggle.

Inflation, shrinking restaurant portions, and US tariffs on imports have made dining out less appealing. Consumers say eating at home is cheaper and often healthier.

US grocery visits rose 1.3% in June, while restaurant visits fell 0.4%.

Supermarkets are responding by offering more affordable meal options and expanding grab-and-go selections like wraps, salads, and sandwiches. Food Lion and Giant stores owner Ahold Delhaize is promoting $2.50-per-person dinners to attract budget-conscious shoppers.

Companies like Delivery Hero and HelloFresh are benefiting as consumers replace eating out with cheaper delivery or home cooking.

A HelloFresh survey found 93% of Americans plan to cook as much or more at home next year, with 75% citing the economy as the reason.

Overall, the trend echoes the pandemic-era home dining boom, signaling challenges for restaurants while supermarkets and delivery services capitalize on shifting habits.