A new survey reveals that nearly one in four UK shoppers have significantly reduced meat consumption or adopted a vegetarian diet because they can no longer afford their previous grocery bills. Almost one in five adults admit to eating less or skipping meals entirely as the relentless squeeze on household budgets continues.
Financial Strain and Mental Wellbeing
The research, conducted among 3,291 UK adults on behalf of cashback app tuck., found that the financial strain is taking a heavy toll on mental health. Four in ten respondents said they feel mentally exhausted by money worries every day or several times a week. Nearly one in five (18%) worry about money daily, rising to a third (33%) among households earning less than £20,000 a year.
Households now spend an average of £94 on their weekly food shop—approximately £24 more than a year ago. When asked what single change would make the biggest difference to their finances, 61% cited lower grocery prices.
Changes in Eating Habits
The pressure is forcing difficult compromises. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of shoppers are buying fewer treats and snacks, while 19% have started skipping meals or eating less due to rising costs. Women appear to bear the brunt, with 20% skipping meals compared to 12% of men. Parents are also more likely to cut back on their own food, with 24% doing so versus 14% of adults without children.
Meanwhile, 28% of respondents said they had either become vegetarian or significantly reduced meat purchases to save money. Women were far more likely than men to have made this change, and one in three parents had done so.
Bargain Hunting and Cashback
The cost-conscious mood is reshaping shopping habits. More than eight in ten (81%) shoppers said they have become more focused on finding bargains, discounts, and cashback offers over the past year as they look to stretch household budgets further.
Neel Thakrar, chief executive of tuck., commented: "Financial pressure doesn't just affect people's bank balances; it has a real impact on their wellbeing too, with the vast majority of people saying they feel mentally exhausted by managing their day-to-day finances. Our data shows that, on average, families are having to spend 34% more (£24) on the same weekly food shop compared to a year ago, and that is forcing them to make changes, like cutting down on treats, buying less meat and even skipping meals. Lower grocery costs is the single biggest factor that respondents say would ease their financial anxiety."
Demographic Differences
The survey highlights that those on the lowest incomes are almost three times more likely to worry every day than households earning more than £50,000 annually. Women were slightly more likely than men to report feeling mentally drained by money pressures. Overall, only 7% of respondents said money does not cause them anxiety.
