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

Grocerants: 7 Big Opportunities for 2025

 

As 2025 approaches, the evolving food landscape presents unparalleled opportunities for all food retailers offering grocerant meal components or meals.  All food retailers include Convenience Stores, grocery service deli’s, restaurants, dollar stores think of it as any retailer has the ability to evolve into a hybrid concept blending grocery and restaurant-style dining. Political uncertainty, inflation, and changing consumer preferences are reshaping the way we think about meals. Here are the Grocerant Guru’s insights into seven critical opportunities for grocerants this year, driven by key consumer trends and challenges.

1. Political Uncertainty Drives Comfort Food Trends

Economic instability fueled by political uncertainty often pushes consumers toward comfort and familiarity. In 2025, grocerants can leverage this by offering hearty, homestyle meal bundles that evoke nostalgic flavors. Ready-to-Eat (RTE) lasagnas, pot roasts with root vegetables, and freshly baked bread can tap into consumers' need for reassurance. Bundling these options with mix-and-match sides such as roasted potatoes, steamed greens, and pre-prepped salads can position grocerants as the perfect solution for uncertain times.

2. Inflation Elevates At-Home Dining

Inflation continues to pinch household budgets, making at-home dining more appealing than eating out. However, many consumers lack the time or skill to prepare full meals. Grocerant retailers that prioritize Heat-and-Eat solutions, like marinated chicken with pre-portioned vegetable stir-fry kits, can capture this demographic. Offering clear cost comparisons to restaurants (“Feeds four for under $20”) on packaging and signage can solidify the value proposition for budget-conscious shoppers.

3. Winter Meal Planning Highlights Skill Gaps

Winter’s long nights and busy schedules often leave consumers ill-prepared for meal planning. The lack of culinary skills compounds the issue, with many struggling to create varied, appealing menus. Restaurants have traditionally filled this gap, but grocerant retailers can counteract by creating flexible meal kits. These kits could include options like braised short ribs paired with mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts, each pre-seasoned and easy to assemble. Seasonal promotions and bundling discounts can further encourage repeat purchases.

4. Mix-and-Match Meal Bundling Offers Customization

One of grocerant retailers most significant advantages is the ability to tailor meals to diverse household preferences. Unlike restaurant menus that are fixed, grocerants can invite customers to “build their perfect dinner.” By combining proteins (e.g., grilled salmon, rotisserie chicken) with versatile sides (e.g., truffle mac and cheese, garlic quinoa, fresh fruit medleys), customers can enjoy variety without compromise. Highlighting these options through digital kiosks and in-store sampling events can drive incremental sales.

5. Poor Service at Grocery Delis Pushes Customers Away

Poor customer experiences at traditional grocery store delis remain a pain point for many shoppers. Long wait times, inconsistent product quality, and unfriendly staff have pushed frustrated consumers toward quick-service restaurant (QSR) takeout. For grocerant enabled retailers, this represents an untapped opportunity. Improved deli services, focused on speed, freshness, and personalization, can win back disenchanted customers. Investing in technology, such as online ordering and self-checkout deli kiosks, can revolutionize the experience and outpace traditional grocery competitors.

6. QSRs Become First Choice for Small Households

Households with one or two members increasingly turn to QSRs for convenient meals tailored to their size and needs. Grocerants must adapt to compete by emphasizing portion control and single-serve options. Offerings such as individual protein bowls, sushi platters, or mini charcuterie packs can target these consumers effectively. Enhanced marketing to highlight convenience and cost savings over QSRs can sway this audience back to grocery-based solutions.

7. Seasonal and Event-Based Promotions

Seasonal and event-based marketing will be a crucial driver for grocerants in 2025. Winter football games, Valentine's Day, and Sunday roasts are moments grocerants can dominate by providing meal solutions tailored to specific events. By leveraging mix-and-match meal options to cater to a “game-day platter” or a romantic dinner, grocerants can bridge the gap between at-home dining and restaurant quality.

The Path Forward: Integration and Consistency

Grocerant retailers are uniquely positioned to address the evolving consumer landscape by integrating restaurant-quality meals with grocery accessibility. By improving service, emphasizing customization, and solving everyday meal challenges, grocerants can become a dominant force in 2025. This requires investment in technology, robust marketing strategies, and a commitment to quality that rivals any fast-food restaurant or traditional grocery chain.

For grocerants, the future is rich with potential. By addressing these seven opportunities, they can secure their position as the ultimate dining solution for today’s ever-changing consumer needs.

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

What is: The Unsung Hero of Snacking, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Ah, watermelon! The summertime delight, the picnic staple, the fruit that makes you wonder if nature really did stuff an entire swimming pool into a green-striped ball. The team at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® and the Grocerant Guru® says, hold on to your seeds (unless you're one of those sophisticated types who only eat seedless) because watermelon isn’t just for cooling down on a hot day. No, my friends, it’s the unsung hero of meals across the clock: from snacking to lunch, and even dinner. Let’s dive into why this juicy juggernaut deserves a place at your table all day long.

Breakfast Watermelon: A Juicy Wake-Up Call

Imagine this: it’s 7 AM, and your alarm is blaring. You need something refreshing to kickstart your day. Coffee? Too mainstream. A smoothie? Too much effort. Enter the watermelon. A bowl of watermelon cubes is like a splash of cold water to the face but way more delicious. Plus, it’s 92% water, so it’s basically hydration on a plate. And guess what? That hydration can help cure your morning grogginess faster than you can say “pass the melon.”

Snack Attack: Watermelon to the Rescue

The clock strikes 11 AM, and your stomach growls like a disgruntled bear. You need a snack, and you need it now. Instead of reaching for the usual suspects—chips, candy, or a dubious leftover donut—why not grab a slice of watermelon? It’s low in calories (just 46 per cup!) but high in satisfaction. That crunch! That sweetness! It’s like a tropical vacation in your mouth, minus the sand in your swimsuit.

Lunch Like a Champion: Watermelon Edition

Lunch time rolls around, and you’re looking for something light but filling. Watermelon to the rescue once again! Toss some cubes into a salad with feta cheese, mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Now you’re not just eating lunch; you’re dining in style. This combination is not only Instagram-worthy but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Watermelon is rich in vitamins A and C, and the feta adds a punch of protein. Who knew being fancy could be so easy?

Mid-Afternoon Slump? Watermelon’s Got Your Back

It’s 3 PM, and you’re fading fast. The post-lunch slump is real, people. But instead of reaching for a caffeine fix, why not opt for watermelon? Its natural sugars provide a gentle energy boost without the crash, and its high water content helps keep you hydrated and alert. Plus, nibbling on those juicy chunks is a lot more fun than sipping on yet another cup of joe.

Dinner Time: Watermelon for the Win

You’re thinking about dinner, and suddenly the idea of cooking feels more daunting than climbing Mount Everest. Fear not! Watermelon is here to save the day. How about a watermelon and shrimp ceviche? Or a grilled watermelon steak? Yes, you heard that right. Grilled watermelon. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, giving it a smoky, savory-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a sprinkle of sea salt and a squeeze of lime. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Dessert? You Bet!

Did you really think we’d stop at dinner? Watermelon shines here, too. Ever tried watermelon sorbet? It’s as easy as blending frozen watermelon chunks with a bit of lime juice. Voilà! You’ve got a refreshing, guilt-free dessert that’ll cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth in one fell swoop.

The Final Slice

In conclusion, watermelon isn’t just a fruit; it’s a versatile, hydrating, nutrient-packed superhero ready to rescue you from culinary boredom at any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a refreshing side dish, or an innovative entrée, watermelon’s got your back. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, go ahead and grab that big green ball of goodness. Your taste buds (and your body) will be glad you did.

Remember: when life gives you watermelons, make every meal a celebration!

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

July 4th Cookout Costs Skyrocket: Grocerant Guru's Guide to Smarter Shopping

 

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! This year’s Independence Day cookout might burn a bigger hole in your pocket, but don’t worry Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® has the scoop on how to stretch those dollars. According to the American Farm Bureau’s annual Fourth of July market basket survey, the cost for a classic cookout is hitting new highs in 2024. But with some savvy shopping strategies, you can still enjoy your feast without breaking the bank.

Survey Highlights:

·         Total Cost for 10 People: $71.22 (up 5% from last year, up 30% from five years ago)

·         Per Person Cost: $7.12

·         Main Culprit: Meat (50% of the total cost)

·         Ground Beef: $12.77 for 2 pounds (up 11%)

·         Chicken Breasts: Slight decrease in price

·         Potato Salad: Down 4%

Grocerant Guru’s Tips for Smarter Shopping:

1.       Shop Multiple Stores:

o    Why? Different stores have different sales and discounts. For instance, one store might have a great deal on ground beef, while another offers cheaper strawberries. By spreading out your shopping, you can take advantage of the best prices across the board.

o    Fact: Studies show that consumers who shop at multiple stores can save up to 15% on their grocery bills.

2.       Leverage Discount Days and Coupons:

o    Why? Many stores offer special discount days or digital coupons. Sign up for loyalty programs and keep an eye on weekly flyers.

o    Fact: Using coupons and shopping during discount days can save you an additional 10-20%.

3.       Bulk Buying and Sharing:

o    Why? Buying in bulk can be cheaper per unit. Split large quantities with friends or neighbors to minimize waste and cost.

o    Fact: Bulk purchases can reduce the per-unit cost by 25-30%.

4.       

Seasonal and Local Produce:

o    Why? Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and fresher. Local farmers’ markets can offer great deals, especially towards the end of the day.

o    Fact: Purchasing seasonal produce can lower costs by up to 20%.

Breaking Down the Cookout Costs:

·         Hamburger Buns: $2.71 (up 7%) - Check for sales and generic brands.

·         American Cheese Slices: $3.57 (up 1%) - Look for in-store promotions.

·         Ice Cream: $5.65 (up 7%) - Consider making homemade ice cream for a fun activity and cost savings.

·         Lemonade: $4.19 (up 12%) - Try using bottled lemon juice and sweeteners as an alternative.

·         Strawberries: $4.61 - Visit local farms or farmers’ markets for fresh and potentially cheaper options.

·         Potato Chips: $4.90 (up 8%) - Look for sales or consider making your own for a healthier and cost-effective option.

Regional Variations:

·         Northeast: $63.54 for 10 people - Consider yourself lucky, as this is below the national average!

·         South and Midwest: Around $68.30 - Still under the national average.

·         West: $80.88 - A bit pricier, so strategic shopping is even more critical here.

Economic Factors:

The increases in cookout costs reflect broader economic issues like general inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising production costs. However, by shopping smart and spreading your purchases across multiple stores, you can mitigate some of these impacts and enjoy a festive Fourth of July without the financial strain.

So, gather your shopping lists, compare prices, and make the most of every dollar. Happy grilling, and may your cookout be delicious and affordable!

Your Grocerant Guru®, always here to help you eat well and spend less.

Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideas look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how our Grocerant Guru® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation, and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit: us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter