What America Spends On Groceries

In a series on NPR online called, “Graphing America”, I found an article with some interesting graphs on how much less America spends on groceries today versus 30 years ago. This third-party research is pertinent to pair with our farmers and ranchers stories of how they raise food to complete the whole story of food production.

Income spent on groceries

The way we spend our grocery money has also changed.

We now spend a much bigger share of our grocery money on processed foods, which includes things like frozen dinners, canned soups and snacks. We spend much less on meat, largely because meat is much cheaper than it was 30 years ago.

Breakdown of Grocery Spending

According to Walter Falcon, a Stanford economist who’s an expert on food, "We’ve seen major restructuring in poultry, pork and beef industries that has allowed efficiencies and brought down the cost."

Change in Prices

Some people may argue that “healthier foods” like fruits and vegetables are more expensive than processed foods, thus we have a society that is struggling with obesity. However from the chart below to compare food prices then and now, you can see that many fruits and veggies have decreased in price as well. 

Price List in 2012 Dollars

37 thoughts on “What America Spends On Groceries

  1. Thanks, Crystal…it is interesting stuff and it is amazing how the processed food world has evolved. But if we didn't have it, we wouldn't be able to feed as many people and get fresh food supplied to different areas of the country. We just need to make sure they are getting healthy, processed food! 🙂

  2. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering
    which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking
    at alternatives for another platform. I would
    be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  3. Hello to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this website;
    this weblog consists of awesome and in fact excellent material for readers.

  4. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.

    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.
    Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  5. What i don’t understood is actually how you’re now not really a lot more smartly-preferred than you might be right now.
    You are so intelligent. You already know therefore significantly
    in relation to this matter, produced me individually believe it from numerous
    various angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated except it is one
    thing to do with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding.
    At all times maintain it up!

  6. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4
    year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She
    placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it
    pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this
    is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  7. Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite
    justification appeared to be on the internet the easiest thing
    to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about
    worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit
    the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  8. I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post.
    They are very convincing and can certainly work. Still,
    the posts are too short for newbies. Could you please prolong them a little from next
    time? Thank you for the post.

  9. Great site you have here but I was curious about if you knew of
    any forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?

    I’d really like to be a part of online community where I
    can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
    Cheers!

  10. you are truly a just right webmaster. The website loading velocity is amazing.
    It kind of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick.
    Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a wonderful process on this matter!

  11. Heya are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m
    new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started
    and create my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge
    to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!

  12. of course like your web-site however you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a
    few of your posts. Several of them are rife with
    spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to inform the reality on the
    other hand I will surely come back again.

  13. Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff prior to and you are just extremely fantastic.
    I really like what you’ve bought right here, certainly like what you
    are saying and the way through which you assert it.
    You make it enjoyable and you continue to care for to keep it smart.

    I cant wait to read much more from you. That is actually
    a great website.

  14. Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually
    code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so
    I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  15. Greate pieces. Keep writing such kind of info on your site.

    Im really impressed by it.
    Hi there, You have done an excellent job. I will definitely digg
    it and in my opinion suggest to my friends.
    I am confident they will be benefited from this web site.

  16. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to come back once again since i have bookmarked
    it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  17. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your
    blog. You have some really good articles and I
    think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load
    off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please send me an email if interested. Regards!

  18. Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I
    decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break.
    I love the info you present here and can’t wait to take a
    look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, great site!

  19. My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was entirely right.
    This post actually made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this
    information! Thanks! cheap flights 3aN8IMa

  20. Nice blog here! Additionally your website rather a lot up very fast!
    What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your
    affiliate hyperlink in your host? I wish my site loaded up
    as fast as yours lol

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *