Barthélémy Philippe, edited by Gauthier Delomez / Photo credits: IDRISS BIGOU-GILLES / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP 06:19, September 11, 2023

The prices of most foods have been rising for nearly two years, and this is forcing a large proportion of shoppers to change their consumption habits. According to a study by INSEE, nearly one in two French households ended up paying less, while they were 37% last December.

This is the number 1 consequence of inflation on the daily lives of the French. For nearly two years, the prices of most foods have been rising, sometimes to impressive proportions. Faced with this phenomenon, INSEE has identified several types of behavior adopted by households in search of low prices. A large proportion of buyers have actually changed their consumption habits.

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First, nearly one in five households change their product range, favouring private labels - on average 35% cheaper than national brands - or abandoning organic products.

Playing the competition

Another strategy that is very popular with consumers is to change stores to compete. "Overall, it's going to be a move towards discount brands, which offer more attractive prices," says Emily Mayer, consumer expert at the Circana Institute, at the microphone of Europe 1. Other buyers will "also turn to brands that have very strong price images, such as Leclerc for example, which are gaining a lot of market share," she notes.

These French who deconsume

Then, there are French people who choose to deconsume: 14% of households lighten their shopping carts. For the most modest, this can mean reduced quantities or even fewer meals. For others, it's more about optimizing purchases, says Emily Maye. "We are all aware that we throw things away, so the hunt for waste is a good way to act on your budget and also in a more environmental problem," says the consumer specialist.

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According to INSEE, nearly one in two French households, 47% exactly, ended up resolving to find alternatives to pay less, while they were 37% last December. Finally, it should be noted that 5% of households attend restaurants less, or no longer at all, to favor meals on wheels.