U.S. food sales follow seasonal patterns

Food sales in the United States have generally trended upward over time, even after adjusting for inflation. Within this overall trend, clear and recurring seasonal patterns emerge each year. Food sales typically increase in December, reflecting heightened spending during the holiday season, when households purchase more groceries, prepared foods, and dining experiences. This seasonal increase is evident in both the food-at-home (FAH) and food-away-from-home (FAFH) categories but is most pronounced in the FAH series. In contrast, food sales typically decline in January. From 2022 to 2025, FAH sales declined by roughly 14 to 16 percent from each December to January, while FAFH sales decreased by about 7 to 12 percent. Data indicate that seasonal patterns do not necessarily reflect changes in food quantities but rather shifts in consumer behavior and changes in the timing, composition, and location of food spending. Following the January decline, food sales gradually recover through the spring and summer months. From March to August over the 3-year period, FAH sales steadily increased, reflecting stable grocery purchasing patterns, while FAFH sales were more variable and peaked in May-June. This chart is drawn from USDA, Economic Research Service’s Food Expenditure Series, updated March 2026.