Healthy Eating Gets Harder as Food Costs Go Up

Food prices in the U.S. continue to rise in 2025, and many Americans are feeling the effects at the dinner table. A new survey by Pew Research found that 65% of people say it's becoming harder to stick to a healthy diet because of high grocery costs.

Families with lower incomes are struggling the most. In that group, 80% said food prices are a major barrier to eating well. But even among middle-income households, 58% reported having a hard time keeping healthy food on the menu.

The survey, which included 5,000 adults, also revealed that 40% of people have had to cut back on buying fresh fruits and vegetables simply because they’ve become too expensive.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices are expected to rise by 3.5% this year. Some of the biggest increases are in everyday items like eggs, meat, and drinks. While the price of fresh vegetables may go down slightly by about 2.5% however, it’s not enough to make a real difference for most families.

To manage the rising costs, many people are turning to bulk shopping, looking for discounts, and choosing cheaper items, even if they’re not as healthy. In fact, 30% of those surveyed said they now rely more on fast food or ready-made meals because they cost less.

The results show just how much rising prices are shaping the way Americans eat and highlight the need for support to help families stay healthy, even when budgets are tight.