A recent study from Purdue University's Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability reveals that a significant portion of the American public expects grocery and restaurant prices to rise if President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico are implemented. The survey, which gathered insights from over 1,200 adults nationwide, highlights concerns about increased costs for both imported and domestically produced food items. Additionally, the research explores varying perspectives on tariffs based on political affiliations and examines consumer satisfaction with their diets.

The potential impact of tariffs on food prices has become a pressing concern for many Americans. According to Joe Balagtas, a professor of agricultural economics and director of the Center for Food Demand, respondents expressed worries that tariffs could lead to higher prices for imported foods as well as domestic products that compete with these imports. Specifically, 72% of those surveyed anticipate an increase in food prices should the tariffs be put into effect. This apprehension stems from the understanding that tariffs can disrupt supply chains and elevate production costs, ultimately affecting consumer wallets.

Interestingly, the survey uncovered differences in tariff perceptions among various political groups. A notable disparity emerged when comparing the views of Democrats, independents, and Republicans. While 52% of Democrats believe tariffs would cause significant price hikes for food, only 35% of independents and 22% of Republicans share this view. These findings suggest that political leanings play a role in shaping opinions on economic policies such as tariffs.

Beyond tariff concerns, the report delved into consumer attitudes toward their diets. An overwhelming majority, 86%, reported feeling happy or very happy with their eating habits, a sentiment that has remained consistent over the past three years. This stability is particularly noteworthy given fluctuations in the economy and rising inflation rates. Balagtas attributes this resilience to the relative affordability of food in the United States. However, he also pointed out that lower-income individuals experience greater sensitivity to food price changes due to the larger proportion of their income allocated to groceries. As a result, these individuals are nearly twice as likely to express dissatisfaction with their diets compared to their higher-income counterparts.

The survey also provided insight into weekly spending patterns, revealing that consumers typically spend around $122 on groceries and $67 on dining out each week. Moreover, the national food insecurity rate stood at 16% in January, marking a slight increase from previous averages. Despite these challenges, the overall outlook remains optimistic, with most consumers maintaining satisfaction with their dietary choices amidst changing economic conditions.