Italians spend more on essentials while rethinking food and lifestyle choices

Italy in 2025 feels like a country caught between holding on and changing course – consumers tighten their belts, but values and habits are shifting fast. The latest Coop report shows nearly half of Italians (42%) still see saving as a top priority – not just because times are hard but because many are now questioning whether the standard consumer-society model even makes sense anymore.

Today, more than half of Italian households’ spending goes to the essentials – housing, utilities, transport, and especially food. Non-negotiables are crowding out discretionary purchases. Food habits are changing. More meals are being cooked at home – fewer meals eaten out.