Chefs Share Grocery Shopping Strategies Amidst Inflation and Health Trends

Inflation, the growing influence of weight-loss drugs, and an increased emphasis on healthy living are collectively altering American grocery shopping habits, according to industry experts. As consumers aim to maximize their food budgets while maintaining nutritional standards, strategies for purchasing food are evolving.

Despite the proliferation of online grocery services, a significant majority of Americans, 54%, still prefer shopping in physical grocery stores, according to the Food Industry Association's U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends for 2026. Shoppers increasingly value the in-person experience and expect stores to offer conveniences typically associated with online retail.

Celebrity television chef Jason Smith emphasizes the sensory benefits of in-person shopping, stating, "When I shop, I like to touch, smell and see what I'm picking out. This allows me to really make my food pop on the plate and creates the best flavors." He notes that larger grocery chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Target can be cost-effective, particularly when preparing meals for a large group, and he often finds their store brands to be of good quality and price.

However, Smith generally recommends smaller, local grocery stores, often supporting "mom-and-pop shops." He advises consumers to consider the trade-offs between name brands and store brands, as well as between the freshest and nearly fresh options. "Most of the time, [well-known companies] also package the store brands and just change the labels," Smith explained. "Why pay 75 cents more for something just because it has a name-brand label on it?"

Regarding produce and meat selection, Smith suggests using scent as an indicator of freshness. "If it's fresh, it will smell like it looks," he said. "Fish should not smell like fish. When touched, it should spring back." He also pointed out that whole fish with clear, wet eyes are fresher, and meat cut in-store can often be more economical and fresher than pre-packaged, shipped varieties.

Private chef Austin Beckett, a winner of Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef, tailors his shopping to his clients' specific needs and culinary preferences, with organic and local sourcing being common requests. While he shops at stores like Whole Foods and Bedner's Market, Beckett frequently sources products directly from farmers.

Beckett encourages home cooking as a foundational step for healthier eating, regardless of initial sourcing. "It doesn't have to be organic. It doesn't have to be locally sourced right away. You want to eventually get to that finish line. But just start by cooking your own food."

Dr. Ken Berry, a physician, advocates for a focus on ingredient lists rather than product reputations, especially for consumers on a budget. He argues that carefully selected, low-cost meat products can contribute to a nutrient-dense diet and support health objectives.