The Galway Kitchen study highlights premium resilience and evolving at-home dining habits
Nearly half of Irish consumers (49.5%) prioritise taste over price when making everyday food choices, according to new research from The Galway Kitchen, pointing to continued resilience in premium food purchasing despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
The study, conducted among Irish adults aged 18–55, indicates that while consumers are more price-aware, they are not simply trading down. Instead, spending is becoming more deliberate, with quality, provenance and at-home experience remaining key decision drivers.
Key findings:
- 49.5% of consumers prioritise taste over price, signalling sustained demand for quality-led products
- A majority of respondents indicate a willingness to pay a premium for Irish-made products, reinforcing the importance of provenance and local production
- Consumers are increasingly shifting towards at-home ‘treat’ occasions, replacing higher-cost dining out and takeaway options
- ‘Picky bits’ style meals — informal, shareable formats built around dips, breads and snacks — are gaining traction as a cost-effective but premium-feeling alternative
- Spending behaviour reflects a move towards selective indulgence, with consumers prioritising certain categories while managing overall budgets
Generational insights:
- 18–24s are more likely to favour takeaway-led and informal eating occasions, with 37.4% citing takeaway as their main option when feeding friends at home
- 35–44s are driving a more premium, curated approach, with greater emphasis on quality ingredients and structured sharing boards
- Older respondents are more likely to favour traditional formats and show lower willingness to experiment or pay additional premiums
Regional insights:
- Connacht respondents over-index in favouring traditional, authentic food pairings
- Other regions demonstrate a higher openness to newer, more flexible and globally influenced formats
Market implications:
- Evidence of premium resilience within everyday food categories
- Growth in at-home social dining occasions as a substitute for out-of-home spend
- Continued importance of Irish-made positioning and provenance in influencing purchasing decisions
- Increasing demand for versatile, multi-occasion products that support both convenience and quality
Madeleine Cosgrove, PR and Communications Director at The Galway Kitchen, said:
‘The findings reflect a consumer who is becoming more intentional in their food choices. While there is greater awareness of price, there is also a clear desire to maintain quality and enjoyment in everyday eating. At-home occasions are evolving, and products that deliver both convenience and flavour are increasingly important.’
Overall, the research highlights an Irish consumer adapting to economic pressures through more considered spending behaviours, while continuing to prioritise quality, flexibility and value in food choices.