Chefs Share Grocery Shopping Strategies Amidst Inflation and Shifting Consumer Habits

Inflation, the increasing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, and a heightened focus on healthy living are collectively reshaping grocery shopping habits, according to industry experts. Consumers are actively seeking ways to manage their food budgets while maintaining nutritional standards, leading to evolving strategies in how they procure groceries.

Despite the rise of online shopping, a significant majority of Americans—54%—continue to prefer visiting physical grocery stores, as reported by the Food Industry Association in its U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends for 2026. Shoppers value the in-store experience and expect retailers to offer conveniences similar to those found online, the association noted.

Celebrity television chef and entrepreneur Jason Smith emphasizes the tactile advantages of in-person shopping. "When I shop, I like to touch, smell and see what I’m picking out," Smith told Fox News Digital. "This allows me to really make my food pop on the plate and creates the best flavors."

Smith suggests that larger grocery chains such as Walmart, Kroger, and Target can be cost-effective, especially when preparing meals for a crowd. He has found their store brands to be both high-quality and affordable over time. However, he generally recommends supporting smaller, local grocery stores, stating, "Most of the time, we are helping our local mom-and-pop shops. I’m always about shopping local if possible."

When making purchasing decisions, Smith advises consumers to consider the distinction between name brands and store brands, as well as between the freshest options and those that are "almost-fresh." Many well-known brands also produce store-brand products, simply relabeling them. "Why pay 75 cents more for something just because it has a name-brand label on it?" he questioned.

Regarding produce and meat, Smith recommends using sensory cues. "If it’s fresh, it will smell like it looks," he explained. "That’s to say if a banana looks like a banana and has no smell, then it’s not fresh or ripe." He added that fish should not have a strong odor and should spring back when touched. For whole fish, eyes should be clear and moist. Meats cut in-store often present a better value than pre-packaged options, and an in-store butcher typically ensures greater freshness.

Private chef Austin Beckett, a winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef, notes that his shopping choices are influenced by his clients' specific needs and culinary preferences. "Most of the time, all they want is organic and local. Those are two super-common phrases that they use," Beckett stated.

Beckett sources some items from retailers like Whole Foods and Bedner’s Market but prioritizes direct purchasing from farmers whenever possible. "The best option is to try to source straight from farmers to ensure the freshest ingredients," he advised.

For home cooks, Beckett encourages starting with the practice of cooking more meals at home, regardless of whether the ingredients are initially organic or locally sourced. "You want to eventually get to that finish line. But just start by cooking your own food," he said.