Inflation has caused significant changes in the consumption habits of the Brazilian population. A survey conducted by Brazil Panels Consulting, in partnership with Behavior Insights, reveals that 41,8% of consumers started buying food from wholesalers to save money. The study, what you heard 1.056 Brazilians from all regions of the country between 11 and 23 March 2025, highlights the impact of rising prices on household budgets and the strategies adopted to navigate this scenario
According to the research, 95,1% of respondents state that the cost of living has increased in the last 12 months. Only 3% consider that prices remained stable and 1,9% perceive a reduction. The perception of acceleration in price increases is also alarming 97,2% feel that food prices have risen rapidly, making inflation a daily concern
The food sector was the most affected by the rising prices, second 94,7% of respondents. In light of this scenario, besides going to the wholesalers, other behavioural changes were identified 17,4% started shopping at local markets to reduce the amount of products purchased, 5,2% opted for fairs in search of better prices and 33,4% manteram o local de compra habitual
With the increase in prices, there is a drastic change in the consumption habits of the Brazilian population. A inflação não apenas impacta o orçamento, but forces a restructuring of consumption priorities. It may seem just a number, but think carefully: if almost 9 out of 10 people feel the weight of inflation precisely on their plate of food, what does this say about the future of food security in the country? Maybe it's time to look more closely not only at what's on the table, but for what is missing in it, highlights Claudio Vasques, CEO of Brazil Panels
Além de procurar estabelecimentos mais baratos, brazilians also reduced the number of items in the cart. The research revealed that more than half of the population (50,5%) stopped buying olive oil, while 46,1% of beef was cut. Even basic and traditional everyday products, como café (34,6%), eggs (20%), fruits and vegetables (12,7%), milk (9%) and rice (7,1%), entered the cut list
We are not talking about luxury. We are talking about basic foods, routine, about culture, pleasure. Inflation has taken more than just purchasing power: it has removed items from the cart that were previously considered essential. It may seem 'normal' to cut superfluous things. But when eggs, beans, fruits and rice are on the list of what is being abandoned, this becomes concerning, Alerta Vasques
Future impact
The study also investigated expectations for the next 12 months, and the results point to a scenario of ongoing concern 65,9% of Brazilians believe that the cost of living will continue to rise, while 23% expect prices to rise more moderately. Only 8% believe that the values will remain stable, and 3,1% percebem uma possível redução
In light of this reality, brazilians have clear opinions on the measures the government should take to contain the rise in prices. A redução de impostos sobre produtos básicos foi apontada como a principal solução para 61,6% of respondents. The price control of essential items, como alimentos y energía, was cited by 55,6%, while 35,6% believe that the minimum wage increase could help rebalance purchasing power. Other 25,4% demand stricter oversight against price abuses, 20,7% mention the need to reduce interest rates and 17,7% highlight the impact of fuel costs on inflation
What is most frightening is not what has already risen, is what is still to come. Nine out of ten Brazilians see the future with new price increases. The consequence is not limited to tomorrow – she is already impacting the present. The inflation expectation accelerates caution and reduces consumption, reforça Vasques. The population and businesses are under strong pressure, não apenas pelos preços, but also due to the effects of high interest rates. Without measures to ensure balance, the impact will become increasingly profound, atingindo não apenas o consumo, but also the quality of life, закінчує
