With restaurant prices rising and community back in style, your customers are finding comfort—and creativity—at home. Here’s how to help them thrive as #homechefs.

Back in 2020, the pandemic turned many of us into home chefs out of necessity. Fast forward to 2025, and while the circumstances have changed, the trend of cooking at home is resurging. Economic factors like inflation, rising restaurant prices, and tariffs are prompting consumers to return to their kitchens. According to the USDA, food-at-home prices are projected to increase by 3.3% in 2025, while food-away-from-home prices are expected to rise by 3.7%. This shift presents an opportunity for retailers to support their customers in their culinary endeavors. ​Long story short, kitchen tables are the  new dining out and here’s how you use changes in customer purchase to keep your store sales booming.

#1: Sustainable and Smart Kitchen Supplies

You know your customers are eco-conscious and tech-savvy, even if they’re on a budget at the moment. They’re seeking kitchen tools that are both sustainable and efficient. Reusable food storage containers, compostable utensils, and energy-efficient appliances are in demand. By stocking these items, your store can cater to environmentally conscious shoppers looking to make smart choices in the kitchen.

#2: Elevated Pantry Staples and Condiments

The “little treat culture” has led to a boom in premium condiments and pantry items. Your customers are indulging in high-quality sauces, spreads, and seasonings to elevate simple meals. This trend reflects a desire for affordable luxuries that enhance the home dining experience . Consider offering a curated selection of unique condiments to help your customers add flair to their meals.​

#3:Budget-Friendly Cooking and Meal Prep

With economic pressures, there’s a growing emphasis on cost-effective cooking. Your customers are turning to budget-friendly recipes and meal prep strategies to stretch their dollars. By providing affordable ingredients and meal planning tools, your store can support them in creating delicious meals without breaking the bank. Cookbooks like Kardea Brown’s “Make Do with What You Have” offer guidance on creating delicious meals with affordable ingredients.​

#4: Community and Shared Dining Experiences

The rise of communal dining and cookbook clubs highlights a shift towards shared culinary experiences. Your customers are seeking ways to connect with others through food, hosting gatherings and participating in group cooking activities. By offering products and resources that facilitate communal dining, you help foster a sense of community and connection among customers.

#5: Fusion Flavors and Culinary Exploration

Home cooks are experimenting with global flavors and fusion recipes, blending culinary traditions to create innovative dishes. This adventurous approach to cooking reflects a curiosity and openness to diverse cuisines, often inspired by online content and cooking shows . Stocking a variety of international ingredients can help your customers explore new culinary horizons.​ As the home cooking trend continues to evolve, retailers can play a pivotal role by offering products that align with these consumer preferences. By stocking sustainable kitchenware, premium pantry items, budget-friendly meal solutions, and tools that encourage communal dining, your store can support customers in embracing the home chef lifestyle.​

Ready to stock smarter—no matter what the economy’s doing?

Whether your customers are looking for budget-friendly basics or premium pantry upgrades, ASD Market Week has you covered. Our exhibitors span every price point, category, and trend, helping you keep shelves full and margins strong—even when tariffs and inflation are tough.

Register now for the next ASD show and discover products that meet your customers where they are—right at home, around the table, and back in the kitchen.