Demand for cheap staples and shelf stable foods like Hamburger Helper, boxed macaroni and cheese, beans and pasta is on the rise. What's driving it?

Seattle

Recent data shows a notable increase in sales of affordable, shelf-stable foods and easy meal kits, such as Hamburger Helper, rice, and canned meats. From June to August, Hamburger Helper sales rose by 14.5 percent, with similar trends observed for other inexpensive staples like boxed macaroni and cheese and beans. 

These shifts are attributed to ongoing inflation and rising grocery prices, particularly for meats, coffee, and fruit. The trend mirrors consumer behavior seen during previous economic downturns, as families seek to stretch their food budgets. National-level policy changes and inflation continue to impact shopping habits, with experts suggesting the trend may persist amid economic uncertainty.

Pantry staples, easy meals gaining popularity amid inflation

Many foods are seeing a decline in sales, but some are seeing a surprising spike. When we look at the data for hamburger helpers specifically, we see that from June to August of this year, sales have increased about 14.5 percent, which is a big jump in a relatively short period of time. Similar increases in the just-add-meat meals were seen during the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID pandemic in 2020. It's not just hamburger helper. Cheap staples and shelf-stable foods are also on the rise. Things that people can get relatively cheaply and things that people can stretch out. Think boxed macaroni and cheese, beans, pasta. Rice sales are up 7.5 percent this year. People are also buying more canned meats like tuna, salmon, and sardines. We're kind of seeing all of these different, again, national-level policies coming together and manifesting in people's grocery carts. National-level changes, like in trade policies and, of course, inflation. Inflation, even though it's not as high as it was a few years ago, it's still impacting a lot of families in really meaningful ways and nowhere more meaningful than at the supermarket. In August, prices jumped considerably for meats, coffee, and many fruits, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Soaring beef prices have been a particular strain for American families. The need to eat cheap comes as the White House pushes against ultra-processed foods. This is the start of a trend and it's just going to continue. I think it's just going to get worse as the economy becomes much more uncertain. Marisa Giorgio, Scripps News Group.

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