For many college students, there’s rarely a shortage of things competing for a limited budget: tuition, rent, transportation, entertainment, and everyday expenses.

But when a recent survey asked students what they would spend more money on if finances weren’t standing in the way, one everyday necessity rose to the top.

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Healthier groceries topped the list

According to Fortune, many college students would spend extra money on healthier food if their budgets allowed. The survey found that 58% would spend more on healthier groceries, while 50% would put more toward healthier snacks.

The findings come from the Snack-Xiety Report, a survey commissioned by snack brand Nature’s Garden and conducted by Wired Research. Researchers surveyed 1,000 U.S. college students ages 18 to 25 who were enrolled full-time in two- or four-year colleges and universities for the 2026-2027 school year.

The desire to eat better appears to be widespread. The survey found that 85% of students wish they ate healthier during the school year, while 83% believe healthy eating is more expensive than unhealthy eating.

Everyday expenses are squeezing food budgets

For students who have already completed at least one year of college, food spending can be substantial. The survey found they spend an average of $136.10 per week on food and snacks outside of any campus meal plan while school is in session.

At the same time, 86% of students said the cost of everyday life caused financial stress. Among more experienced college students, 75% said everyday living expenses were more expensive than they expected before starting college.

That pressure is forcing some students to make difficult choices. Fortune reported that nine in 10 students who had completed at least one year of college said they had either cut back on buying food or skipped meals to help pay for bills, rent, or tuition.

Students still care about eating well

Perhaps the most interesting takeaway from the survey is that cutting back on healthier food doesn’t necessarily mean students don’t care about nutrition.

In fact, 83% said healthy eating helps them perform better academically, while 82% said healthy snacks help keep them energized throughout the day. Protein is also influencing shopping decisions, with 70% saying protein content affects the foods and snacks they choose.

The gap appears to be between what many students would like to buy and what their budgets allow. When given a hypothetical opportunity to spend more, most students said they would put more money toward healthier groceries, not another night out or another discretionary purchase.