Blue Yonder: Consumers blame high grocery prices on…
Almost all consumers are concerned about the rising cost of groceries, and they widely agree on several supply chain-related causes.
Eighty-five percent of respondents to the Blue Yonder 2026 Consumer Grocery and Protein Trends survey say they are concerned about the impact of grocery prices due to inflation. Respondents place the blame primarily on (more than one response permitted) higher freight and transportation costs due to rising fuel prices (83%), the Strait of Hormuz closure (81%), global tariffs (64%), increased cost of raw ingredients (57%), increased profit margins for brands and manufacturers (50%) and increased labor costs in manufacturing and food processing (47%).
The survey also delved into how cost- and supply chain-related issues are affecting consumer attitudes toward beef and protein purchases. Close to eight-in-10 (78%) respondents are concerned the New World screwworm outbreak in Texas could affect beef prices or availability. More than half (55%) are buying less beef or have stopped entirely amid rising prices.
[READ MORE: Survey: Grocery shoppers remain concerned prices could keep rising]
As respondents cut back on beef, they are shifting to other protein sources. Forty-four percent are buying more chicken, pork and seafood, 28% are buying more canned or shelf-stable proteins, 22% are turning to egg-based proteins, 18% are opting for plant-based proteins, and 10% are increasing purchases of protein powder substitutes.
Despite rising costs, 33% of respondents say they have increased their protein purchases in the past six months due to health and dietary preferences. The survey revealed generational differences, with 54% of Gen Z respondents increasing their purchase of proteins in the last six months compared to 41% of millennials, 35% of Gen X and 20% of baby boomers.
"The data is striking. More than half of consumers are pulling back from beef, and the screwworm outbreak is adding another layer of uncertainty to an already strained supply chain," said Wayne Usie, chief strategy officer, Blue Yonder. “At the same time, demand for protein overall is not going away. Consumers are actively rethinking where they get their protein and how much they’re willing to pay for it.”
The Blue Yonder 2026 Consumer Grocery and Protein Trends survey was fielded by a third-party provider in June-July 2026. Blue Yonder surveyed more than 1,000 consumers involved in their household’s grocery shopping across the U.S.
