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America's Grocery Bill Is Shifting — Chefs Say Store Brands and Local Markets Hold the Answer

6/27/2026

Inflation, the growing adoption of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, and a broader push toward healthy living are reshaping how Americans shop for food, according to professional chefs and industry data.

The Food Industry Association found that 54% of Americans still prefer shopping at physical grocery stores, a finding from its U.S.

Grocery Shopper Trends report for 2026 that underscores why the in-store experience remains the dominant battleground for retailers.

Two prominent chefs — Jason Smith of Lakeland, Florida, and Austin Beckett, winner of the fourth season of Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef — say the biggest savings and quality gains come down to where you shop and which labels you trust.