Almost one in four UK shoppers have substantially cut meat purchases or turned vegetarian, while nearly one in five are skipping meals due to rising food costs, according to a new survey of over 3,000 adults.
Meat Reduction and Meal Skipping
The research, conducted for cashback app tuck., found that 28% of respondents have either turned vegetarian or considerably reduced meat purchases to save money. Women were significantly more likely than men to cut back on or eliminate meat, and one in three parents made the same change.
Nearly one in five (19%) admitted they have begun missing meals or consuming less due to rising food costs. Among women, the figure was 20%, compared with 12% of men. Parents were also more affected, with 24% reducing their own food intake versus 14% of adults without children.
Financial Strain and Mental Health
Financial pressure is taking a toll on mental health: 40% of respondents said they feel mentally exhausted by money worries every day or several times a week. Only 7% reported no anxiety about finances. Among households earning below £20,000 annually, 33% worry about finances daily, nearly three times the rate of those earning over £50,000.
Neel Thakrar, chief executive of tuck., said: "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."
Rising Grocery Costs
The survey revealed households now spend an average of £94 per week on food – approximately £24 more than 12 months ago. When asked what single change would make the greatest impact on their finances, 61% cited lower grocery prices.
Nearly two-thirds (61%) reported buying fewer treats and snacks. More than eight in ten (81%) said they have become increasingly focused on seeking bargains, discounts, and cashback deals over the past year to stretch their budgets.
Thakrar added: "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."
