Italy food spending rises 25% over ten years

Italian households are facing significant economic pressure due to rising food costs. Data from ISTAT and Codacons indicate that average monthly spending on food and non-alcoholic beverages has risen to 552 euros in 2025, a 25% increase compared to 2015. This decade-long rise translates to an additional 1,326 euros per year for the average family.

Key price increases include coffee (+14.6%), water (+8.3%), fish (+7.8%), oils and fats (+6.7%), and meat (+5.4%). Notably, spending on ready-to-eat meals has surged by 254% over the last ten years. These inflationary pressures are attributed to climate change affecting crop yields, energy costs, and geopolitical conflicts.

In response to these costs, consumer habits are shifting. Approximately 29.4% of families have reduced the quantity or quality of food purchased, and 33.8% have cut back on beverages. There is also a growing trend toward using discount stores and preparing meals at home—referred to as ‘schiscette’—to mitigate the high cost of eating out, which can reach up to 16.19 euros for a standard lunch.

While the out-of-home dining market reached 102 billion euros in 2025, the number of visits has declined by 1.1%, suggesting consumers are becoming more selective with their spending.