Greeks spend around €26 billion a year on grocery products, with household expenditure on food remaining broadly stable at around 20%-21% of total spending since 2012, apart from the pandemic period, despite successive price increases.
Housing costs have followed the opposite trajectory, now accounting for 14.7% of total household expenditure, up from 11.8% in 2008 and 14.1% in 2023. At the same time, Greek households are making notable changes to their diets, buying less red meat, full-fat milk, olive oil and sugar.
In particular, the quantities of olive oil purchased have fallen by 34.8% compared with 2008 and by 40.2% compared with 2015. Beef purchases are down 29.2% from 2008, processed meat products by 35.4%, fish by 14.6% and seafood by 37.2%.
A similar trend is evident in sweets and other food products, with household purchases of sugar down 53.5% compared with 2008. Dairy consumption has also declined, with purchases of fresh whole milk falling by 42.5% and preserved milk by 60%.
By contrast, the ready-meal market has expanded sharply, with per capita consumption rising from just 0.24 kg in 2015 to 3.34 kg in 2025.
These are among the findings of an analysis by the Research Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA), published ahead of World Food Day 2026 on 16 October.
The analysis highlights a gradual restructuring of household budgets and significant changes in the composition of the food basket.
More specifically, IELKA examined the latest available data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority’s (ELSTAT) Household Budget Survey, tracking changes in household purchases between 2008 and 2025.
Annual grocery expenditure reaches €26bn
Total annual spending on grocery products across all retail channels is estimated at approximately €25.7 billion.
Food accounts for the largest share, at around €18.1 billion a year, while non-alcoholic beverages account for approximately €1 billion and alcoholic drinks for €1.6 billion.
Non-food products also represent a significant part of the overall basket, with household care products accounting for around €1.7 billion and personal care products for €2.3 billion.
The figures highlight the broad range of purchases Greek households make through grocery retail channels, extending well beyond food and other essential dietary needs.
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