Why French Households Are Buying Less Food — and What It Means for 2026

Food inflation may be slowing, but French households are still buying less food, clothing and essentials. Here’s what’s driving the shift — and what it means for 2026.

Updated for November 2025 — based on the latest INSEE and Eurostat findings.

Food inflation may be slowing on paper, but French households are still filling their baskets less than they used to.
Recent data shows that people in France now consume significantly fewer fruits, vegetables, meat and clothing than the average European neighbour — a trend that accelerated sharply throughout 2024–2025.

This shift is not just about prices. It reflects changing behaviour, tightened budgets, and a growing sense of uncertainty as families look toward 2026. Below, we break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how households are adapting.

Food Prices Are Rising Again — Even as Inflation Slows

While overall inflation has levelled off, food prices continue to climb. Essentials such as poultry, dairy and fresh produce remain noticeably more expensive than two years ago. Even discount supermarkets are reporting reduced basket sizes as customers increasingly:

swap branded items for supermarket own-label
buy fewer fresh products and more long-life alternatives
cut back on treats, snacks, and ready-made meals

This echoes your recent report on household strain: one-third of French families are already struggling with energy bills. With heating season now underway, budgets are tightening further.

A Quiet Drop in Protein Consumption

Eurostat data shows that households in France are buying less meat and fish per capita than comparable countries. This isn’t entirely negative — some consumers are choosing plant-forward diets — but the trend largely reflects price sensitivity rather than lifestyle choice.

Families facing rising costs often adjust by:

buying smaller quantities of meat
switching to cheaper cuts or mince
relying more on eggs, lentils, and tinned goods

Less Clothing, Fewer “Non-Essentials”

Eurostat notes a sharp drop in clothing purchases across France. The trend is clear: French households are prioritising essentials while delaying or cancelling discretionary purchases.

This ties into the wider cost-of-living pattern — the same one driving higher savings rates despite shrinking disposable income. As you covered recently, political instability has pushed many families to save at near-record levels.

Why Households Are Consuming Less

Several forces are converging:

Persistent food inflation even as overall inflation slows
Energy bills rising as colder weather hits
Higher taxes and charges on transport, fuel, and insurance
Political uncertainty leading families to “hold back” major purchases
Changing shopping habits (buying more frequently but smaller baskets)

For many, it’s not poverty — it’s caution.

What This Means for 2026

Economists expect 2026 to bring:

a modest drop in inflation
continued pressure on fresh food prices
a potential rise in social benefit claims (APL, prime d’activité)
further consumption decline unless wages rise to match costs

Households are adapting — but the margin for error is shrinking.

Where Families Are Turning for Relief

Local markets for cheaper seasonal produce
Energy optimisation such as off-peak electricity and smart heating
Home-grown vegetables and backyard eggs
Discount retailers like Action and Lidl

Many are also using seasonal strategies such as stocking up before each price rise — something your readers relate to strongly.

Conclusion

French households aren’t just buying less — they’re quietly reshaping their entire consumption patterns. As winter deepens and 2026 approaches, families are leaning on budgeting strategies, seasonal shopping, home-grown food, and greater awareness of what truly offers value.

More practical guides on budgeting, electricity costs and shopping smart are available here: