A new poll reveals that a vast majority of U.S. adults are feeling the strain of rising grocery prices, as economic pressure continues to mount for households across the country.
According to a recent survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about half of Americans say grocery costs are a major source of stress, while an additional 33% consider it a minor concern. Only 14% report feeling no stress over grocery bills, highlighting how deeply inflation and price hikes are affecting daily life.
While younger Americans often cite housing, savings, or credit card debt as leading financial stressors, groceries stand out as a universal concern across age groups. Even among adults over 60—who tend to report less stress about housing or savings—grocery costs remain a significant worry.
Lower-Income Households Hit Hardest
The poll shows that economic anxiety is especially pronounced among lower-income Americans. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of those earning less than $30,000 per year say grocery prices are a major source of stress. Among those earning over $100,000 annually, about 40% still report grocery costs as a significant concern, and only 1 in 5 say they’re not worried at all.
Esther Bland, 78, of Buckley, Washington, said she relies on food banks to manage her grocery expenses. Living on Social Security and disability payments, Bland considers grocery shopping a “minor” stress—for now. “If I lost access to food banks, groceries would absolutely be a major source of stress,” she said.
Young Adults Turning to “Buy Now, Pay Later”
To cope with rising expenses, about 3 in 10 U.S. adults report using “buy now, pay later” services like Afterpay or Klarna to purchase essentials—including groceries and medical care. The trend is especially common among Americans under 45.
Adam Bush, 19, a welder from Portland, New York, said he’s resorted to using installment payment services for both groceries and entertainment. “I just keep watching the prices go up, so I’m looking for the cheapest possible stuff—Hot Pockets and TV dinners,” he said. Bush earns under $50,000 annually.
These services, which are often marketed as an alternative to credit cards, are becoming more popular but also raise concerns. Recent reports show a growing number of users are falling behind on repayments. Consumer advocates warn of limited oversight and potential risks of overextending finances.
Women and Hispanic Adults Report Higher Stress
The poll also highlights disparities in financial stress across gender and racial lines. Women are more likely than men to report anxiety over income, savings, groceries, and healthcare costs. Meanwhile, Hispanic adults are especially stressed about housing and debt, with two-thirds citing housing costs as a major burden—compared to about half of Black adults and 4 in 10 white adults.
Cutting Costs, Changing Habits
Many Americans are making lifestyle changes to adjust. Shandal LeSure, 43, a receptionist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who earns between $85,000 and $100,000 per year, has started shopping at discount grocery stores. “It’s an adjustment,” she said. “Sometimes the quality isn’t as good.”
Overall, financial stress remains high across multiple categories. The poll found that about half of adults worry deeply about housing costs, and 4 in 10 report major stress over their income, savings, and healthcare. About 3 in 10 cite credit card debt as a major concern, and 2 in 10 say the same about childcare and student loans.
As everyday essentials continue to climb in cost, grocery bills are proving to be a shared and growing source of stress for Americans of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds.
