Nearly Half Americans Report Stress From Rising Grocery Prices

A majority of Americans are experiencing significant stress due to rising grocery prices, with 53% identifying grocery costs as a major source of anxiety and another 33% citing minor stress, according to a recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. This financial strain extends across all age groups, with younger adults more likely to use "Buy Now, Pay Later" services to manage expenses on groceries, medical care, and entertainment. Grocery prices have increased across all major categories, including meats, dairy, and eggs, with some items like chicken breast and eggs seeing particularly steep price hikes over the past year. Alongside groceries, other financial pressures such as housing, health care, savings, and income are also causing widespread stress among Americans. The labor market's recent slowdown and ongoing tariff policies under President Trump contribute to economic uncertainty, potentially exacerbating household financial challenges. These findings highlight the broad economic challenges many Americans face in managing the cost of essential goods and services.