How to Money · Friday, August 7, 2026
CNBC reported that consumers are buying about 1.8% fewer grocery items compared to last year, a trend attributed by some to inflation. However, host Matt suggested this could also be a business story, highlighting significant household food waste, while Joel argued that increased spending on dining out is a primary driver, impacting overall food budgets.
“They were talking about how the number of essentially consumer goods that you buy in the grocery store are down compared to last year, Some of that has to do probably a lot of it has to do with inflation, but people are buying something like two percent fewer groceries”
“To me, this feels more like a business story as opposed to personal finance, right, because I hear two percent one point eight to be exact, and I'm like, okay, to me, that doesn't seem like a big deal.”
“I'm blaming it on lifestyle choice for most people, and they're saying, I'd rather spend money eating out, even if it costs a lot more.”