The Magic of Grilling: Staying Cool Under the Sun

By: Lucinda Pierce, Specialist, Research & Insights, FMI

Born and raised in Texas, I am no stranger to a hot summer day, with childhood memories of summers spent under the sun. So, the thought of my first northeast summer seemed like an easy feat. Yet, the heat and humidity hit me hard this year, leaving no frizz or sweat stain spared and making me question my hometown claim. I was not alone in this, with most grocery shoppers (65%) experiencing higher temperatures this summer than what they would consider to be normal. Forty-eight percent cite more days of high humidity, 28% say poorer outdoor air quality, 23% power outages, and 22% more extreme storms.

While region may dictate the type and intensity of weather experiences, many people are worried even without direct experience with extreme weather events. Summer represents a unique challenge that presents a physical and fiscal strain. Discovering and using tactics to ensure I can still enjoy my summer and manage climate challenges can be central to saving on the necessities so I can spend on the fun.

For my family, summers in Texas meant grilling some barbecue, paired with cold sides, and fresh fruit. For the summer holidays, we would throw down turkey legs, lamb chops, pork ribs, and let them smoke for hours. With the heat of the cooking outside, the adults would prepare the potato salad and cornbread — and stay nice and cool — while watching a funny movie. My cousins and I would run amuck outside, using the smoke of the grill to ward off mosquitos, and enjoying time spent together. On regular occasions, we'd still find ways to minimize use of the oven by using the crock-pot or increasing our consumption of cold foods.

Many Americans also report changing their normal summer eating and food preparation habits in response to climate-related challenges. Thirty-six percent of U.S. shoppers say they are eating outdoors less than usual this summer because of the weather. Often, they avoid eating out or outside, and deemphasizing outdoor recreation, though different shoppers execute these broad patterns differently.

As we enter the fall season and prepare for winter, it is certain that consumer shopping behavior in preparation for potential extreme weather conditions will materialize.

To learn more about shopper habits please download the 2024 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Return to Routine report.

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