US restaurant spending growth outpaced grocery sales in 2025

American consumers directed a larger share of their food budgets toward meals away from home in 2025 as spending at restaurants grew faster than grocery purchases. RFD-TV reported that data from the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service showed spending on food away from home reached approximately $1.41 trillion, representing an increase of 4.8 percent from 2024. [1]

In contrast, food-at-home expenditures rose 2.8 percent to nearly $1.10 trillion during the same period, according to RFD-TV. Combined food spending reached about $2.51 trillion, with food away from home accounting for roughly 56 percent of the total figure. [1]

The growth within the food-away-from-home sector was led by full-service establishments. RFD-TV reported that full-service restaurant spending increased nearly 7.9 percent to approximately $488 billion. Limited-service restaurant spending grew by 3.3 percent to reach about $516 billion. [1]

Higher restaurant spending could support foodservice demand for United States agricultural products, RFD-TV reported. The shift highlights a continued expansion in foodservice demand relative to retail grocery outlets across the country. [1]