College budgets have to cover a lot, from tuition and rent to transportation, school supplies, and everyday expenses. A recent survey found that if money were less of a concern, many students would spend more on one basic need: healthier food.
Healthier Groceries Topped the List
According to Fortune, 58% of college students surveyed said they’d spend more on healthier groceries if they could, while 50% would spend more on healthier snacks. The findings suggest many students want to eat better but feel that their budgets limit what they can buy.
The results come from the Snack-Xiety Report, commissioned by snack brand Nature’s Garden and conducted by Wired Research. The study surveyed 1,000 U.S. college students ages 18 to 25 who were enrolled full-time at two- or four-year colleges and universities for the 2026–2027 school year.
The desire to eat healthier was widespread among those surveyed, with 85% saying they wished they ate better during the school year. Another 83% said they believe healthy food costs more than less healthy options.
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Everyday Expenses Are Squeezing Food Budgets
Food can take up a large part of a student’s weekly spending, especially for those who pay for meals outside a campus dining plan. Students who had completed at least one year of college reported spending an average of $136.10 each week on food and snacks while school was in session.
Money worries extend well beyond groceries, with 86% of respondents saying the cost of everyday life caused them financial stress. Among students who had completed at least one year of college, 75% said living expenses were higher than they had expected before starting college.
Some students are having to make difficult choices just to cover their bills, rent, and tuition. Fortune reported that nine in 10 students who had completed at least one year of college had either reduced their food purchases or skipped meals to help pay for other expenses.
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Students Still Care About Eating Well
Cutting back on healthier food doesn’t mean students have stopped caring about nutrition or how they feel during the school day. In the survey, 83% said eating well helps them perform better academically, and 82% said healthy snacks help them stay energized throughout the day.
Protein also plays a part in students’ shopping choices, with 70% saying protein content affects the foods and snacks they buy. For many of these students, the issue seems to be finding room in their budgets for the foods they would prefer to eat.
The survey points to a gap between students’ food goals and what they feel they can afford. With 58% saying they’d spend more on healthier groceries if they had the money, affordable nutritious food remains a concern for many college students.
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