Rising grocery bills are causing major stress for most Americans, a recent AP-NORC poll reveals.
Half of respondents ranked grocery prices as “major” stressors, while another third called them “minor” worries. Just 14% said they’re largely unbothered, according to a survey of 1,437 U.S. adults conducted July 10–14, 2025.
Housing costs and thin bank accounts are straining budgets across age groups, but younger adults are feeling the squeeze the hardest.
Roughly 30% of those surveyed reported using buy now, pay later services such as Afterpay or Klarna to cover essentials like groceries, medical care or entertainment—particularly among younger consumers and racial minority groups.
While overall economic confidence ticked up in July, concerns about the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies remain strong. The Conference Board noted that tariffs and their effect on personal finances continue to top consumer worries.
In Fort Lauderdale, Maria Oliveira told China Media Group, “Prices go up every week, every month.” Ulysses Jenkins called the situation “absurd,” saying, “There’s hardly anything people can afford.” Mary Miller added that her plans to save are on hold because “now it’s all going to the supermarket.”
As grocery prices climb, Americans are adapting—and turning to new payment methods just to keep food on the table.
Reference(s):
Survey: Most Americans feel squeezed by rising grocery costs
cgtn.com
