Survey reveals concerning links between cost of living crisis and eating and shopping behaviours

A recent survey by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) found that nearly two out of three Scottish adults are concerned about their household finances, which has affected what they can eat and their shopping habits.

Respondents reported taking some concerning actions to ease the impact of the cost of living crisis, with around half going without (or considered going without) essential food items or skipping meals.

Just over one fifth said they were buying less fresh fruit and vegetables, which rose to just under a third in areas most affected by poverty. Around a third said their diet was less healthy as a result of the cost of living crisis, with healthy eating being considered less of a priority.

Shopping habits have also been impacted by the cost of living crisis with almost three fifths swapping to cheaper or unbranded products, buying more on promotion and buying fewer treat foods. More than a tenth of respondents had used a foodbank or food pantry, and a further third would consider this.

Leanne Garden, Public Health Nutrition advisor at FSS, commented: “This survey has shown us that the cost of living crisis has impacted negatively on many people’s ability to access food, due in part to costs being prioritised for other areas, including household energy bills.

“It is of great concern that more than one in ten respondents needed to use food banks and pantries, and that eating a healthy diet as a result of the cost of living crisis has become a lower priority. FSS has an online resource called Eat Well, Your Way, which could help support people who are looking for ‘healthier and cheaper ways to cook’.”

The survey, which assessed consumer attitudes towards diet and food in Scotland, asked more than 1,500 adults a series of questions linked to food and related to the cost of living crisis.

You can access the full results of the survey here, which also explores consumer attitudes towards eating out of the home and sustainable food purchases.