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Grocery Value Study 2026.

Download Intouch Insight’s 2026 Grocery Value Study to discover how grocers turn price promises into shopper trust across in-store and digital experiences.

The report examines what value means beyond the price tag; revealing where grocers are delivering, where execution gaps weaken the experience, and why availability, pricing reliability, loyalty, and employee support shape how shoppers perceive value. 

Research Methodology: How we collected the data

Leveraging our network of mystery shoppers, we conducted 302 in-store mystery shops across 15 grocery chains and 175 digital and curbside pickup shops across 13 chains. This research is designed to generate directional insight for multi-location grocery operators, helping them better understand how pricing, product availability, promotions, loyalty programs, service interactions, and digital fulfillment collectively influence shopper perceptions of value.

Hands holding The Grocery Value Equation Report: How Grocers Turn Brand Promises Into Shopper Trust

Inside the report: What delivers value, where gaps remain, and what grocers should prioritize. 

 The study provides actionable data to help grocery operators strengthen value delivery across the entire shopper journey—from weekly ads and store-brand availability to loyalty activation, digital pricing, pickup, and frontline service.

Product availability makes a price feel real

A strong price only matters if shoppers can find the item they came for. For higher-priced baskets, full store-brand availability was associated with a 16-point increase in perceived value.

Download the full report to learn how availability, promotions, and basket price shape value perception.

Baskets price above the study media 16.4 point gap

Pickup performs operationally but pricing weakens trust

Digital grocery pickup delivers reliably on speed and order fulfillment, creating a strong baseline experience for shoppers.

However, the final charge matched the checkout total in only 67.4% of shops,  reflecting factors such as substitutions, estimated weights for produce, and promotions not carrying through to the final receipt; inconsistent disclosure of fees and minimum-order requirements can add further uncertainty.

Download the full report to explore how pricing transparency affects trust. 

Final total matched checkout 67.4% of the time

Loyalty is not fully activating value

Grocery retailers are investing in loyalty programs, but this touchpoint is not consistently shaping the shopper experience.

Loyalty programs were only mentioned in 50% of eligible transactions.

Download the full report to see how loyalty prompts can make value easier to access.

50% of in-store visits prompted about loyalty

 

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