AI tools now used by 82% of produce consumers for meal planning

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a novelty to a core utility in the kitchen, with a vast majority of produce consumers now using the technology to manage their food shopping. A new study conducted by the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) indicates that these tools are fundamentally altering how households approach nutrition, budgeting, and meal preparation.

According to the SEPC research, which surveyed 1,500 consumers, 82 percent of produce consumers are already integrating at least one type of AI tool into their regular routines. The study found that users are leveraging these systems for a wide array of tasks, including generating grocery lists, managing budgets, and seeking nutritional guidance. Furthermore, nearly 50 percent of those surveyed expressed a specific desire for AI-generated meal plans to prioritize recipes that are easy to prepare.

The battle for visibility

This shift comes as the food and agriculture industry scrambles to understand how algorithmic recommendations influence consumer discovery. The SEPC is specifically analyzing whether fresh fruits and vegetables are being effectively recommended by AI systems or if they are being overshadowed by other ingredients. As consumers stop browsing traditional cookbooks or static websites and start asking AI for meal ideas, the visibility of fresh produce now depends on the logic of the software.

Industry implications

For the retail and agricultural sectors, the rise of AI-mediated shopping represents a potential disruption to the traditional consumer journey. If AI tools prioritize specific brands or processed ingredients over fresh produce, it could lead to a significant decline in the sales of fresh fruits and vegetables. This shift may force producers and retailers to overhaul their marketing and distribution strategies to ensure their products remain visible in an environment where a chatbot, rather than a store display, acts as the primary gatekeeper.

The path forward

Industry leaders are now focusing on how to adapt to this digital intermediary. David Sherrod, president and CEO of the SEPC, noted that AI has the potential to fundamentally change how consumers discover and make decisions about food. He emphasized that understanding this shift early provides the industry with an opportunity to determine how to remain relevant and visible wherever consumers are seeking answers. The industry will now be watching closely to see if AI recommendations align with public health goals regarding fresh produce consumption.