87% of consumers change food shopping habits as cost of living crisis persists

Households are struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Too Good To Go welcomes VAT cut, calls for action to turn €300m in surplus food waste into savings for businesses and people

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87% of consumers change food shopping habits as cost of living crisis persists, new research from Too Good To Go reveals.

The surplus food marketplace highlighted the continued need to tackle food waste across Ireland as recent research reveals that the majority of Irish people have had their food shopping habits affected by the rising cost of living, with an equal number (87%) now being more cautious about food waste specifically due to high grocery bills.

VAT reduction

in a statement, Too Good To Go, noted that it welcomes the Government’s decision in Budget 2026 to reduce the VAT rate for the hospitality sector to nine per cent, but believes the next big opportunity to tackle is the estimated €300 million worth of food wasted every year across Ireland’s food service sector.

“The VAT reduction is exactly the kind of smart, targeted support that gives our partners breathing room. But this is only half the equation,” said Machaela O’Leary, sales manager, Too Good To Go Ireland.

“Taking action on food waste would not only strengthen the industry’s resilience, but also help households struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.”

Smarter food solution

The appetite for smarter food solutions across the industry is clear: 57% of people say they’d be likely to use an app like Too Good To Go as prices rise, the data indicated.

“While businesses are managing tight margins, tight household budgets mean consumers are also looking for ways to make every euro count,” O’Leary added.

“Tackling food waste is a huge opportunity – not just for businesses, but for households to access affordable, delicious meals. Together, we can help people save money, reduce waste, and make a real difference for the planet.”

Too Good To Go connects businesses with surplus food to local consumers seeking affordable options. Cafés, bakeries, and supermarkets like Aldi Ireland offer Surprise Bags full of tasty goodies – helping households stretch their budgets and preventing good food from going to waste.

Read more: Inver expands partnership with Too Good To Go to tackle food waste

© 2025, by ShelfLife reporter

Read More: Budget 2026 Too Good To Go

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