CHICAGO, August 19, 2026 — Nearly three-quarters of consumers said rising gas prices have changed, or will likely change, their food-and-beverage buying habits, according to new research from IFMA The Food Away from Home Association.
That’s just one finding from the Association’s new “Gas Prices & F&B Pressures” CORG report, conducted in partnership with research firm Datassential. The survey of more than 1,500 consumers pointed to long-term impacts on food-away-from-home spending due to rising gas prices.
“Expect a shift away from restaurants and towards how cooking as gas prices climb,” the report warns. “Brace for a rise in grocery and bulk buying while away from home visits dip, especially restaurants, vacations, events, and socializing at bars.”
Older consumers indicated they are the most insulated from gas price pressures. Forty percent of baby boomers said they don’t expect to change their food-and-beverage buying habits due to rising gas prices, higher than the 26% of all age groups who said the same.
Those surveyed said they would start cutting back significantly if fuel prices keep going up:
- 54% said they would go out to eat at restaurants less often
- 45% said they would take fewer vacations
- 34% said they would spend less time in bars
- 32% said they would cut back on convenience-store visits
What would those surveyed do more often if gas prices keep increasing? More than half said they would do more cooking at home and more than a quarter said they’d be inclined to pick up prepared deli items at the grocery store more frequently.
Operators and manufacturers, of course, cannot control the price of gas. But they can offer some value-focused promotions or bundled deals. Consumers said they would likely take advantage of those types of discounts when pressured by higher fuel prices.
“Value and convenience will matter most to combat bringing items from home,” the CORG report noted. “Help operators win the visits consumers still make by guiding them with rewards programs, proximity promotions, and deals on multiple meals or snacks as these types of habits will increase.”
Reports from IFMA The Food Away from Home Association’s Consumer & Operator Research Group (CORG) are available as a free member benefit for Tier III Manufacturer members and Operator members. Others in the industry may purchase the reports here.
Heather Lalley is the director of communications for IFMA The Food Away from Home Association. A lifelong journalist, Lalley has previously worked with industry publications including Restaurant Business, CSP Daily News, Supermarket News and Foodservice Director.
