NEW YORK CITY, New York: As inflation and economic uncertainty weigh on household budgets, more consumers are opting to cook at home rather than eat out, a trend that could boost supermarkets and food delivery firms at the expense of restaurants.

Figures from Rabobank and Eurostat show that between January and May this year, food retail sales volumes in supermarkets and hypermarkets grew 1.5 percent in the Eurozone, adjusted for inflation. In contrast, sales at restaurants and bars fell 0.3 percent.

Both cost and value concerns are driving the shift. "I eat much more at home because first of all eating out is way more expensive lately, and quality is not always guaranteed," said Marilena Graziano, a teacher in Florence.

Retailers are capitalizing on the trend. Dutch group Ahold Delhaize, which owns Food Lion and Giant in the U.S., has expanded its budget-friendly meal offers. "We have solutions for customers to have a very affordable meal of US$2.50 per person at home with the family," CEO Frans Muller told Reuters.

The dynamic resembles the pandemic years, when at-home dining surged. While restaurants rebounded after lockdowns, delivery platforms such as Eat, Glovo, and Foodpanda say economic downturns tend to push customers toward ordering in rather than dining out.

Meal-kit company HelloFresh, which makes most of its revenue in North America, reported that 93 percent of U.S. adults surveyed expect to cook the same or more in the next year, with over three-quarters citing economic conditions as the reason.

Analysts note the appeal of quick and affordable supermarket options. "Grab-and-go meals, salads, wraps, and sandwiches have improved a lot and are taking away some demand from foodservice players," said Maria Castroviejo, consumer foods analyst at Rabobank.

Data from Placer.ai show that grocery store visits in the U.S. grew 1.3 percent year over year in June, while restaurant visits slipped 0.4 percent.

Individual shoppers describe the shift as both financial and practical. Jenny Russmann, who works for an international organization in Vienna, said she now eats at home to save money and stay healthy. In Milan, regional administration employee Chiara Schiavoni said her 7-euro food vouchers no longer cover a 9-euro sandwich at nearby restaurants, but go further in supermarkets.

While restaurants remain popular for special occasions, analysts warn their weekday traffic is under greater threat as price-sensitive diners look for better value elsewhere.