At the same time, the survey found that the majority (76%) say they do not want to compromise on the quality of the food they buy, regardless of current food prices. While three [image-nocss] in four (75%) also continue to purchase natural and/or organic foods in the same quantities as they always have, nearly two-thirds (65%) of consumers surveyed say they would like to find ways to be able to buy these foods within their budget.
"We recognize that shoppers should be able to cut costs, not corners when buying natural and organic foods," said A.C. Gallo, co-president and COO for Whole Foods Market. "This research is in sync with what we are seeing right now with our customers as they are taking advantage of our in-store value programs and specials, and they are turning to us for meal planning and ideas more than ever before, especially via our website."
Of the adults who said their grocery shopping habits have been affected by current food prices, half (54%), are using more coupons are more likely to comparison shop (50%), and are more likely to buy private-label/grocery store brands (45%).
Four in five adults (80%) think the price of groceries, in general, has increased since this time last year, according to the survey; however, according to the federal government's Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index release for July 2009, the food at home index has declined for the seventh time in the past eight months for a total decrease of 2.6% from its peak in November 2008.
The survey found that most adults (79%) cook at home. More than half (54%) saying they do so to save money, while 44% of respondents say they simply enjoy eating their favorite foods in the comfort of their home and 41% say they cook at home to ensure they are eating healthfully.
Among parents who provide breakfast, packed school lunches and/or afterschool snacks for their children, nearly half (45%) say they would like to find ways to provide these types of healthy foods within their budget and some (20%) insist on providing these healthy food items, with little attention to price.
Findings: Three in four (73%) continue to purchase natural and/or organic foods. Three in four (75%) continue to purchase natural and/or organic foods in the same quantities as they always have. The majority (76%) said that they do notwant to compromise on the quality of the food they buy regardless of current prices. Two out of three (65%) said that they would like to find ways to be able to buy natural and/or organic foods on a budget. Four in five (82%) said the way they shop for groceries has been affected by current food prices. Of these adults, 54% indicated that they are using more coupons, 50% are more likely to comparison shop and 45% are more likely to buy private-label/grocery store brands. Most adults (68%) said the economy has affected their cooking and eating habits. About half (51%) said they now eat dinner at home more often, more than a third (37%) said they budget food shopping trips more strictly and more than one-quarter (28%) said they focus meals on inexpensive pantry staples like beans and whole grains. Most adults (79%) said they cook while only 22% said they don't cook often or at all. Over half of all adults (54%) said they cook because it saves them money while 44% said they cook because they like to enjoy their favorite foods in the comfort of their own home. The majority (87%) of parents of kids aged 3-17 say they provide breakfast at home, an after-school snack (70%) and a packed school lunch (55%) for their kids. Of these parents nearly half (45%) say they would like to find ways to provide healthy breakfasts/lunches/after school snacks for their children within their budget. Another 40% said they try to provide breakfasts/lunches/after school snacks for their children in reusable containers while 26% try to provide them in disposable items such as sandwich bags and paper lunch sacks. One in five parents (20%) who say they provide breakfast at home, an afterschool snack and a packed school lunch for their kids aged 3-17 said they try to look for the most convenient -not necessarily the healthiest foods- to provide, while the same percentage of these parents said they insist on providing these items with little attention to price. Some of these parents (14%) also said they would like to provide healthy breakfasts/lunches/after-school snacks for their kids ages 3-17 but are not always sure what the most nutritious option are and some (6%) said their kids ages 3-17 simply won't eat healthy breakfasts/lunches/after-school snacks.
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