Americans Shift Toward Online Grocery Shopping Habits

A July 2026 Gallup survey reveals that weekly restaurant dining has dropped while online grocery adoption continues to rise.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration of a plain cardboard delivery box on a porch, representing the growth of online grocery services. — A July 2026 Gallup survey indicates a significant shift in U.S. consumer habits, with Americans favoring online grocery delivery over frequent restaurant dining. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Are you permanently shifting more of your food shopping and dining to online options?

Recent data from a July 2026 Gallup survey shows that Americans are moving away from routine restaurant dining in favor of online grocery ordering. While 74 percent of consumers still visit grocery stores in person weekly, that figure now marks a record low.

Why it matters

The shift reflects a broader consumer move toward the convenience of delivery and pickup models. Higher food costs and fuel prices are also leading many households to change their dining routines to manage their budgets more effectively.

Currently, 39 percent of Americans dine at restaurants at least once a week, down from 53 percent in 2019. Additionally, 73 percent of consumers report avoiding certain food items over the past year due to safety recalls or advisories.

The players

Gallup

Gallup is an American analytics and advisory company known for conducting public opinion polls worldwide.

The details

Consumers are opting to space out in-person store visits while transitioning from regular restaurant dining to more occasional outings. The adoption of online grocery services has grown notably among lower-income adults, rising from 4 percent in 2022 to 11 percent in 2026.

2017: Gallup began tracking in-store and online shopping.
2019: Pre-pandemic baseline established for consumer habits.
2021: The only Gallup measurement conducted during the pandemic.
July 1-19, 2026: Gallup conducted the Consumption Habits survey.

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Culture Shift

This data updates Gallup's multi-year tracking of U.S. consumer dining and shopping behaviors, illustrating a move away from legacy brick-and-mortar reliance. It highlights how digital convenience is reshaping the societal norm of dining out versus cooking at home.

The shift toward online grocery ordering may impact how frequently shoppers visit local retailers and manage their weekly household budgets. Those prioritizing cost savings are increasingly opting for grocery delivery or pickup to avoid the incidental expenses associated with frequent dining out.

The takeaway

Consumers are successfully utilizing digital tools to prioritize household budget management over traditional dining routines. Maintaining a flexible approach to grocery shopping can help mitigate the impact of fluctuating food costs on your monthly expenses.