#Sustainability #United States #Washington #Grocery Shopping #Marine Stewardship Council

Insights into Americans' Grocery Shopping Priorities

As Earth Day approaches, new findings from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) shed light on current grocery shopping behaviors of Americans. The poll indicates a growing awareness of sustainability amid escalating living costs, yet also reflects substantial room for improvement in environmental considerations within consumer habits.

The poll reveals that while many are concerned about environmental impacts when shopping, only 20% frequently consider these factors during their grocery planning. A substantial 33% of respondents noted they sometimes factor it in, highlighting a gap between awareness and active decision-making regarding sustainability.

Rising Costs and Changing Behaviors

In recent years, the American grocery market has seen an uptick in prices, with a notable increase of approximately 2.8% since the beginning of 2024. Projections indicate a further 3.2% rise in 2025. The MSC sought to determine if sustainability remains an essential priority for consumers given these economic challenges.

Interestingly, generational differences also emerged in the results. Younger consumers, specifically those aged 18 to 29, are nearly twice as likely to take the environmental impacts of their grocery purchases into account compared to individuals aged 55 and older. Moreover, 36% of participants express that businesses should prioritize sustainability, despite the current economic landscape; over a third suggest it should be the primary focus.

Erika Feller, the Americas Director for MSC, stated, "Cost is indeed vital when it comes to grocery shopping today. However, our data shows that Americans still aspire to make environmentally conscious choices, particularly among younger demographics. My hope is that consumers can balance budgeting with eco-friendly decisions, especially as we observe Earth Day."

Sustainable Protein Choices

The poll further highlighted that 25% of respondents consider fish and seafood as the most sustainable animal protein choice, only slightly followed by chicken. Notably, 33% of those surveyed were unsure about which protein source is the most environmentally sustainable. Existing studies show that wild-caught seafood tends to have a lower greenhouse gas footprint compared to land-based proteins, reinforcing the MSC's advocacy for these sustainable options.

The Marine Stewardship Council, a global non-profit organization focused on sustainable fishing practices, collaborates with fisheries and supply chain organizations through its certification and ecolabeling program. This initiative helps consumers easily identify sustainable seafood through the recognizable blue fish label found on packaging across various retailers and restaurants nationwide.

Around 20% of shelf-stable seafood sold in American grocery stores carries this MSC certification. In line with the observance of Earth Month 2025, the MSC is emphasizing the importance of choosing sustainable seafood for both personal health and the ocean's health. To aid consumers in making eco-friendly yet economical food choices, the MSC provides three straightforward tips:

• - Incorporate one to two servings of fatty fish like salmon, sardines, or tuna each week to reap the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3s.
• - Explore affordable and convenient seafood options, such as canned or pouched fish, which are often available at reasonable prices.
• - Look for the MSC blue fish label to ensure your seafood is wild-caught and sustainably certified.

For additional guidance on leading a sustainability-focused lifestyle, visit www.msc.org.

About the Marine Stewardship Council

Founded more than 25 years ago, the Marine Stewardship Council has dedicated itself to promoting the preservation of ocean health and securing seafood supplies for future generations. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including scientists, fisheries, and conservation groups, the MSC aims to foster sustainable fishing practices globally. Through the MSC program, consumers can benefit from an easily recognizable labeling system that assists them in choosing certified sustainable seafood.

Poll Methodology

The data for this poll was gathered between February 21 and February 24, utilizing Leger's LEO panel, which included 1,007 American respondents aged 18 and above. The results were balanced according to several demographic factors to represent the American population accurately, yielding a margin of error of no greater than ±3.1%, 19 times out of 20.