How much disposable income are consumers spending to put food on the table?

It comes as no surprise grocery proces have taken steep climbs in recent years.

New data from USDA shows just how much disposable income consumers are spending to put food on the table.

They found that in 2023, U.S. consumers spent around 11 percent of their disposable income on food, and that is right in line with spending levels in 2022.

“Food at home” purchases fell a couple of points during 2023, with “food away from home” jumping nearly half a percent.

They place the rise on more disposable income, with consumers starting to return to outside the home eateries.

Related Stories
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom joins us to discuss China’s renewed access for U.S. beef facilities, the outlook for exports, and key conversations taking place at this week’s Spring Conference.
Operating debt remains manageable in many areas, but rising non-accrual loans show why careful cash-flow management matters in 2026.
Strong rail and ocean demand support grain movement, but weak barge traffic and high diesel costs keep freight pressure elevated.
The challenge is adoption.
Corn exports remained active the week of May 7, but weak soybean, cotton, and sorghum sales kept attention on China and late-year demand.
Conservation programs may work better when they recognize yield risk and cash-flow pressure during adoption.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

This quick and easy recipe puts a Southern twist on a Chinese staple with leftover Pot Roast and tinned buttermilk biscuits. Steaming these Southern-Style Beef Bao Buns on the stovetop only takes five ingredients and 30 minutes!