*As the survey dates to February, 2026, the next three months would be March, April, and May 2026.
During the survey, the question was phrased as follows: "Over the next 3 months, do you expect to spend more, about the same, or less money on these categories than usual?"
Figures may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Citation formats
Expected spending on essentials by category in the U.S. 2026
As of February 2026 in the United States, most consumers expected to maintain their spending on essentials over the next three months, particularly on pet food and supplies (**Â percent of respondents) and on center-store/shelf-stable groceries (** percent of respondents). On the other hand, they anticipated spending less on nonalcoholic beverages (** percent of respondents) and baby supplies (** percent of respondents).Â
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McKinsey & Company. (March 1, 2026). Expected change in consumer spending on essentials over the next three months* in the United States as of February 2026, by category [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 14, 2026, from /statistics/1549607/change-in-consumer-spending-on-essentials-by-category-us/
McKinsey & Company. "Expected change in consumer spending on essentials over the next three months* in the United States as of February 2026, by category." Chart. March 1, 2026. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 14, 2026. /statistics/1549607/change-in-consumer-spending-on-essentials-by-category-us/
McKinsey & Company. (2026). Expected change in consumer spending on essentials over the next three months* in the United States as of February 2026, by category. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 14, 2026. /statistics/1549607/change-in-consumer-spending-on-essentials-by-category-us/
McKinsey & Company. "Expected Change in Consumer Spending on Essentials over The next Three Months* in The United States as of February 2026, by Category." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 1 Mar 2026, /statistics/1549607/change-in-consumer-spending-on-essentials-by-category-us/
McKinsey & Company, Expected change in consumer spending on essentials over the next three months* in the United States as of February 2026, by category ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1549607/change-in-consumer-spending-on-essentials-by-category-us/ (last visited July 14, 2026)
Expected change in consumer spending on essentials over the next three months* in the United States as of February 2026, by category [Graph], McKinsey & Company, March 1, 2026. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1549607/change-in-consumer-spending-on-essentials-by-category-us/
