11 Things Smart People Have Stopped Buying in 2025

Mention the U.S. economy, and many Americans will agree that they feel like they are on a roller coaster of uncertainty. According to market research firm Ipsos, over 60% of Americans fear that a recession is coming. Many have very real concerns about the future, especially whether or not they can continue to save on everyday essentials due to inflation or tariffs.

As a result, some people aren't buying certain items in 2025. Read on to see if anything surprises you.

There's a rising trend of people growing and making their own food from scratch, and baking bread at home can save you money. Depending on the type and ingredients, home-baked bread costs around $1.50 a loaf compared to $2 for standard sandwich bread and all the way up to $5 for an artisan loaf.

It's worth noting that beyond the savings, you might experience some mental benefits, as well. According to market intelligence group Mintel, over 40% of home bakers say making bread and other recipes comforts them.

Another item people are opting to make instead of buy is salad dressings. Simple ingredients make a DIY approach much easier that also tastes great and arguably healthier. In one instance, someone estimated that if you eat a salad every other night, in one year, homemade dressing will cost around $120 compared to $250 (when buying store-bought products that average $4.99 per bottle).

Those who have swapped paper towels for reusable cloths often never look back. When you consider a single sheet of Bounty costs $0.02, with 135 sheets in a roll, this can quickly add up.

This same logic applies to tissues, which are being swapped for high-quality handkerchiefs. It falls in line with the rise in eco-friendly shoppers, or consumers who have shifted to"greener" shopping habits in recent years.

Switching to second-hand clothing becomes easy once consumers discover they can buy a nearly identical, lightly worn T-shirt for a lot less. Many shoppers estimate they save 25% to 50% if they buy an item secondhand, which could mean big savings depending how much of your wardrobe comes pre-loved.

Fast food, once known for its convenience and affordability, is becoming increasingly expensive. Recent data from FinanceBuzz revealed that fast food prices have increased anywhere from 39% to a whopping 100%, and consumers are taking notice. If you're looking to save on eating out, continuing to purchase fast food might not cut it anymore.

Another trend is shifting away from once popular brand names and finding more affordable "dupes." On average, generic brand products cost 40% less than name-brand alternatives. Buyers are conducting blind taste tests and discovering there isn't much of a difference, especially when they can save hundreds of dollars a year.

Consumers are also eliminating dryer sheets from their regular purchases. In addition to saving money, consumers are becoming more aware of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals. These sheets can also transfer residue to your dryer sensor, making it less effective.

So what are some alternatives? Buying reusable dryer balls, for one, or even opting for natural methods like air drying (which can also save you on your utility bill).

In recent years, processed snack foods have gotten significantly more expensive. Several factors are contributing to price increases, including the rising cost of ingredients and raw materials, supply chain disruptions, transportation costs, and labor shortages. Compared to five years ago, snack prices are up 22%, causing consumers to cut back or choose more affordable alternatives.

Trends show an overall decline in new car sales, with Bloomberg reporting that even high-income households are reconsidering new cars. Prices for new vehicles now average $48,205 in the U.S., which is actually pricing some income brackets out of the new car market altogether.

What's worse? Used car prices have also hit record highs, so many are delaying purchases or repairing older vehicles.

Fewer people are subscribing to traditional cable TV services, an idea known as "cord-cutting." Netflix changed the game in 2007; now, over 80% of households have at least one TV streaming service. However, as more Americans tighten their budgets, many are canceling.

The top reason? Price. One in four consumers who cancel say these streaming services no longer fit their budget.

Born out of inflation fatigue, the "no buy movement" is a challenge many Americans started even before this year. To participate, consumers pledge to stop buying non-essential items for a set period, such as a month or a year, and the savings can be big. One individual shared with Fortune that she saved $10,000 in a single year. But even if you're not looking to save this much, this trend can certainly help you get your spending under control.

A majority of Americans rank their finances as the top stressor in their lives. If you're looking to eliminate some money stress, consider becoming more mindful of your spending. Now is the time to create a budget, start a no-spend month challenge, or change your purchasing habits before you're suddenly scrambling to make every cent count.