As grocery prices continue to climb, a growing number of Americans are feeling the pressure, with a new nationwide poll revealing that a vast majority of U.S. adults are experiencing financial stress linked to everyday food costs.
According to the findings, about half of all adults say groceries are a major source of stress in their lives, while an additional one-third say they’re a minor stressor. Only 14% report that rising grocery costs are not a concern highlighting the widespread impact of food inflation on American households.
This financial strain cuts across age groups, income levels, and backgrounds. While other expenses like housing, savings, and health care are also weighing heavily on people’s minds, the cost of food remains one of the most universal and persistent sources of anxiety. For those earning less than $30,000 annually, 64% say grocery prices are a major concern. But even among households earning over $100,000, only 1 in 5 say groceries aren’t a worry at all.
Younger Americans are particularly vulnerable. Many under the age of 45 report using “buy now, pay later” services to afford basic needs like groceries, restaurant meals, and even medical care. One 19-year-old welder from New York shared that his modest income leaves him turning to frozen meals and the cheapest options he can find. “I just keep watching the prices go up,” he said. “So I’m looking for the cheapest possible stuff.”
The stress isn’t limited to the young. Older Americans, including retirees, are also feeling the pressure. One 78-year-old retiree in Washington state relies on Social Security and food banks to make ends meet. “If I lost that, groceries would absolutely be a major source of stress,” she said, noting that her limited monthly income goes mostly to household bills and care for her dogs.
The poll also reveals that women and Hispanic adults are more likely to report high levels of financial stress. Hispanic respondents, in particular, are disproportionately concerned about housing costs and credit card or student loan debt. About two-thirds of Hispanic adults say housing is a major source of stress compared with half of Black adults and about 4 in 10 white adults.
To manage rising costs, many Americans are adjusting their habits. A receptionist in Tennessee making nearly $100,000 a year has started shopping at discount grocery stores to stretch her budget, despite noticing a drop in quality. She, like many others, has turned to pay-later plans to manage expenses covering everything from clothes and hotel stays to medical bills.
While these payment services are marketed as safer alternatives to credit cards, consumer advocates warn of growing risks. Many users fall behind on payments, and there is limited federal oversight. Critics caution that these programs can lead to financial overextension, especially for those already struggling to stay afloat.
The growing reliance on such services underscores how deeply financial insecurity has taken root, even among those with stable incomes. The economic ripple effects of inflation, evolving trade policies, and a shifting job market are pushing more Americans to make hard choices about how they live and what they can afford.
