Consumers will cut back on fast-food dining if tariffs lead to price hikes

Key stat: 50% of US adults are likely to cut back on spending at fast food restaurants if tariffs lead to higher prices, according to a February 2025 CivicScience survey.

Beyond the chart:

• Only 9.4% of consumers say tariffs won’t change their shopping habits, according to a February 2025 Numerator survey.
• Nearly three-quarters of low-income consumers see fast food as a luxury, according to April 2024 data from LendingTree.
• QSRs like McDonald’s have rolled out limited-time offers like $1 Egg McMuffins to attract budget-conscious consumers.

Use this chart: If tariffs lead to price increases, it will certainly affect consumer spending. Marketers and retailers should prepare for that reality. Understand the expenses that consumers are prioritizing while doubling down on value to maintain their loyalty.

This data, provided by CivicScience, will be featured in their webinar, Navigating the New Era of Uncertainty: Macro Trends Reshaping Our World, on March 20 at 1pm ET.

Related EMARKETER reports:

• Data Drop: 5 Charts on Digital Dining Habits (EMARKETER subscription required)
• US Retail Industry Ad Spending 2024 (EMARKETER subscription required)

Methodology: Data is from a February 2025 Civicscience survey. 4,000+ US adults ages 18+ were surveyed online during February 3-4, 2025. The survey was weighted by the U.S. Census.