Survey reveals more islanders cutting back on fresh groceries

An annual survey that provides an insight into the lives of people in Jersey reveals more of us are cutting back on buying fresh fruit and vegetables to cope with the cost of living.

The data come from responses to the most recent Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, which asks people about island-life.

It explores topics including financial struggles, alcohol and nicotine habits and safety.

1,400 questionnaires were completed between May and July this year, with the answers weighted by Statistics Jersey to so they can be considered broadly representative of Jersey’s adult population.

Household Finances

Single parents households are the most likely to struggle financially.

Just shy of 70% reported cost-of-living struggles in 2025.

Single working-age people are the second most likely, at around 45%. Fewer than 1 in 5 pensioners reported finding it difficult to cope with costs.

More islanders say they are giving up fresh fruit and vegetables and cooking a main meal everyday to save money.

Around 20% of us eat meat or fish every other day, and more than a third who were surveyed have sacrificed a week's holiday.

In terms of attitudes towards how islanders shop, three-quarters would like to see businesses being required to accept cash.

The main reasons given for carrying cash include making small purchases, having an option in case cards are not accepted, or paying friends, family or other people privately.

This is despite only two-thirds saying they use cash.

Health

More than a third of islanders are living with a long-term health condition, with the increase from last year mainly influenced by 16 to 34-year-olds.

Two thirds of men and almost half of women are either overweight or obese.

NHS Guidelines recommend adults should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.

When it comes to vices, young people are the most likely to smoke and vape, but the least likely to drink regularly.

One in seven islanders between the ages of 16 and 34 reports being a current smoker or that they vape sometimes.

However, when it comes to alcohol, 55 to 64-year-olds are more likely to drink at least two to three times a week, shortly followed by the elderly (65+).

Life in Jersey

The survey found that people living in Jersey are less satisfied with their lives than those in the UK.

Anxiety levels were 6% higher for men and 15% higher for women here.

In Jersey, only around a quarter of women feel very safe at night, and less than half of men, despite almost 80% of people in Jersey believing the island is a safe place for everyone.

Similarly, women living in Jersey are more concerned about being the victims of crime, with 1 in 5 concerned about sexual violence.

Females are the most worried about being the victim of digital crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse.

Almost all islanders believe higher education should be available to everyone.

Around 3 in 5 islanders believe off-island education is too expensive, and around 80% of people think the government should give out student loans alongside grants.

Most islanders surveyed believe taxes should be spent on creating a wider range of courses available in Jersey.

More than three-quarters of adults in Jersey do not want a total ban on fireworks, but would rather have more rules and regulations.

Almost 9 in 10 islanders would prefer to be informed before fireworks are set off, and the introduction of a time limit on sales and use.

It comes as more islanders are taking to social media, concerned about the noise during festival periods.

Full details of the 2025 Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey can be found here.