Grocery Shoppers Redefine Value as Sales Rise 2.2% and AI Use Reaches 13%
Updated
Updated · FoodNavigator.com · Jul 15
Grocery Shoppers Redefine Value as Sales Rise 2.2% and AI Use Reaches 13%
1 articles · Updated · FoodNavigator.com · Jul 15
Summary
Circana said grocery dollar sales are up 2.2% year to date while volume is flat, showing consumers are buying about the same amount of food but choosing more deliberately.
That shift is pushing retailers and brands to compete on relevance—health benefits, convenience, pack sizes and clear differentiation—rather than relying mainly on low prices.
GLP-1 use is reshaping baskets: weight management as a reason for taking the drugs rose to 53% in 2026 from 16% in 2021, lifting demand for protein-rich, hydration-focused and nutrient-dense foods.
AI is adding pressure on brands to stand out, with 13% of consumers using it for product discovery in April-May versus 9% in February; comparison shopping is the top use.
By 2027, Circana expects grocery growth to normalize to 2% to 3%, with gains driven more by pricing and product mix than by higher food volumes.