The survey result: Nearly 9 in 10 US adults (88%) are stressed about grocery prices—including 53% who say food costs are a major source of stress—according to a July AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey.

This news comes as food prices continue to go up. The US Consumer Price Index for food increased 0.5% in August MoM. Grocery prices, as measured by the food-at-home index, rose 0.6% from July and were up 2.7% YoY, the strongest reading in two years.

Groceries aren’t the only pressure point.

• 3 in 4 (74%) consumers are stressed about housing costs, with 47% calling it a major concern.
• 1 in 3 (34%) are anxious about child care, including 18% who say it’s a major source of stress.

Behavioral shifts: Mounting financial stress is reshaping consumer spending habits—especially among lower-income shoppers.