More than half of people living in Belgium think they need to save on their groceries due to inflation – but this does not stop them from eating healthier.
Edenred, known for issuing meal vouchers in Belgium, has unveiled its ‘Food Barometer 2024’, looking at the country's grocery shopping habits
Belgian consumers want healthy and fresh products on their plates, even under inflationary pressure. A survey by the French meal vouchers company found that, despite concerns over inflation, health and sustainability are high on the menu in Belgium.
More than a quarter of Belgian consumers spend a third of their monthly income on food. Just over half of respondents feel this forces them to save on the groceries they buy for their home. Meanwhile, as much as nine in ten say they would eat out less often due to inflation.
Belgium in December had the second-highest inflation rate in the eurozone. Meanwhile, food inflation rose for the final five months of the year, bringing up grocery prices.
The survey shows that even with Belgium's automatic wage indexation system (which sees both public and private wages being indexed to inflation, or revised upward with the rising cost of living), people are still feeling economic pressures.
Meal vouchers can be indispensable for ensuring healthy choices are affordable. Two in five (41%) feel that vouchers contribute to healthier eating habits. If the value of the cheque is doubled, more than 60% expect to eat healthier as a result.
Not saving on health
Despite these financial worries, the majority (85%) of people surveyed for the barometer pay more attention to balanced meals. Edenred noted a significant rise in this figure: last year, only 66% of respondents said they paid more attention to a balanced diet.
Meanwhile, 64% of people expect restaurants to offer healthy choices, up from 56% this time last year. For most respondents (97%), healthy eating means "fresh produce, with vegetables at the forefront".
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The barometer also highlighted that combatting food waste is close to the hearts of many Belgians. Around three-quarters (71%) are concerned about waste and hope that restaurants take measures against it. This can include offering doggy bags or flexible portions.
A similar percentage of Belgian restaurateurs are already actively working to combat food waste, up from 63% last year.
