2025 Dinner Decisions: Will Consumers Cook in July—Or Will Grocerants Win the Plate?

 

1. The At-Home Cooking Resurgence

Home cooking is holding strong in 2025. Campbell’s reports that U.S. households are preparing dinner at home more than at any point since early 2020. But this isn’t a return to scratch cooking—it’s a reinvention of convenience.

·       89% of Americans say cooking at home is healthier and more affordable, per a Harris Poll–Flashfood study.

·       With food prices projected to rise 1.9%, families are leaning into “stretchable staples” like pasta sauces, broths, rice, and soups—up 4–6% in unit sales YoY.

·       Online platforms like Send a Meal and ShopRite’s digital deli are enabling families to order full meals or modular components—entrée, sides, dessert—saving time while preserving the comfort of a home-prepped dinner.

As Grocerant Guru® Steven Johnson puts it: “Today’s dinner isn’t about scratch or takeout—it’s about smart assembly. Families want to mix, match, and heat their way to a satisfying meal.”

2. Grocerants: The Real Dinner Disruptors

Forget the format—grocerants are defined by the experience. Whether it’s a drive-thru burger, a c-store pizza, or a grocery deli’s chicken alfredo, consumers don’t care where it comes from. They care about flavor, price, and service.

Restaurants as Grocerants

·       Off-premise dining is booming, but value is the new battleground. According to the National Restaurant Association, 82% of delivery customers prioritize deals and bundles over loyalty perks.

·       Restaurants are reframing takeout as at-home meal experiences, offering LTOs, family bundles, and off-peak discounts to stay competitive.

C-Stores as Grocerants

·       C-stores are redefining fast food with fresh, flavorful, and flexible meals. Think Wawa’s hoagie bundles or Casey’s pizza deals—ready in minutes, priced to move.

·       The Grocerant Guru® notes: “When c-stores blur the line between fresh meals and fast service, they become the new local dining solution”.

Grocery Delis as Grocerants

·       Grocery delis are no longer just about sliced meats—they’re meal hubs. From rotisserie chicken to global fusion bowls, they offer familiarity, freshness, and family-sized value.

·       Online ordering platforms now let shoppers build meals from components—entrée, sides, dessert—ready for pickup or delivery.

3. Tech-Enabled Mealtime: Discovery, Delivery & Digital Dining

A. Discovery & Selection

·       Meal kits are projected to hit $6 billion globally in 2025, with plant-based options leading growth.

·       TikTok trends like “swalty” and global spice fusions are shaping menus in real time.

B. Pickup, Delivery & Online Ordering

·       Grocerants across all channels are integrating online ordering with in-store pickup, offering complete meals or à la carte components.

·       AI-powered apps suggest meal bundles based on past purchases, dietary needs, and trending flavors.

C. Frictionless Checkout

·       Mobile payments and loyalty apps now dominate, with 72% of c-store transactions processed digitally.

·       Smart pantry tech is emerging, enabling auto-replenishment of key ingredients based on usage.

4. The Grocerant Guru®’s 2025 Strategy Brief

Steven Johnson outlines the winning formula:

·       Omnichannel meal support: Offer complete meals and modular components across restaurant, c-store, and grocery platforms.

·       Custom bundles: Let families mix and match based on dietary needs, portion size, and budget.

·       Tech-first convenience: AI menus, voice ordering, and smart carts are now baseline expectations.

·       Value with experience: Deliver restaurant-quality meals at grocery prices—without the prep or the wait.

> “Grocerants aren’t a format—they’re a mindset. They meet consumers where they are: hungry, busy, and value-driven.”—Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru®

5. July 2025 Outlook: Who’s Poised to Win?

Grocerants—regardless of channel—are best positioned to win. The brands that blend flavor, price, and service into a seamless mealtime solution will capture the lion’s share of dinner dollars.

Strategic Moves:

·       Stock premium stretchables: Think Rao’s sauces, infused broths, and global grains.

·       Offer online meal kits and bundles: Let families build dinner from components or choose full meals.

·       Leverage social trends: Launch limited-time flavors based on TikTok insights.

·       Streamline checkout: Integrate loyalty, mobile pay, and reorder prompts.

Elevate Your Brand with Expert Insights

For corporate presentations, regional chain strategies, educational forums, or keynote speaking, Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, delivers actionable insights that fuel success.

With deep experience in restaurant operations, brand positioning, and strategic consulting, Steven provides valuable takeaways that inspire and drive results.

💡 Visit GrocerantGuru.com or FoodserviceSolutions.US
📞 Call 1-253-759-7869