How Many Households Choose To Order Food Rather Than Eat At Home?

A new study by US Foods reveals that Americans dine out an average of three times per month, with delivery even more frequently—an average of 4. 5 times per month. 57 of American consumers said they preferred ordering takeout or delivery, while 43 preferred going to a restaurant instead. In 2021, almost 53 of all household food expenditures in the U. S. were attributable to food-away-from-home (FAFH), despite a significant drop in FAFH spending during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The percentage of people eating out two or three times a week is 56, and 10 of the respondents reported dining out four to six times. In 2020, the number of people who ate dinner with their families increased, largely due to fewer family outings from stay-at-home orders. However, as more families return back to school and the office in recent months, how has dinner come in second in terms of frequency of reporting meals away from home?

A Harvard Business Review study found that Americans fall into one of three groups: Eating at home may be more economical, but fast food has its perks, too. Eating out may be a better solution for time-starved and convenience-seeking consumers, led by millennials, who are showing a growing appetite for having food delivered at home. Nearly 57 of 2023 food budgets were spent on food prepared away from home, according to a statistical analysis by the Auguste Escoffier School.

Families and groups of five or more make up 31 of foodservice meals eaten at home, according to NPD’s ongoing foodservice market research, CREST. Some people may prefer to cook at home more often than eating out at restaurants, while others may find themselves eating out more often. According to a 2014 report from the market research firm NPD Group, since 2001, under 60 of meals eaten at home been cooked at home.

How Often Does The Average Family Eat Out?

Research from US Foods highlights trends in American dining habits, revealing that individuals eat out an average of 3 times monthly and order delivery approximately 4. 5 times. In 2022, spending on dining reached an all-time high, partly as a rebound from pandemic-related restrictions. On average, Americans spend about $191 per month on restaurant meals, with women spending a notable 33% more than men. The frequency of dining out is surprisingly high, with 56% of surveyed individuals reporting they dine at a restaurant, get takeout, or have meals delivered 2 to 3 times weekly.

Additionally, more than 75% of Americans eat out at least weekly, and some estimates suggest they actually eat out 5 to 6 times a week, translating to roughly 18. 2 meals monthly. Dining out has become a valued activity, with 80% of teens expressing that family dinners foster conversation with parents. Families typically dine out on weekends, like Saturdays and Sundays, especially during outings.

Despite the growing trend of dining out, considerations about budgeting for meals are essential, given the average annual spending of about $3, 639 per individual. Surveys indicate a significant portion of Americans enjoys frequenting casual dining options, emphasizing the cultural importance of dining together.

How Many Families Go Without Food?

In the U. S., over 47 million people experience hunger, impacting 1 in 5 children. Many lack sufficient access to nutritious food, with nearly 14 million children living in "food insecure" households, meaning they cannot afford enough food for a healthy life. In 2022, 17 million households faced food insecurity, a significant increase of 3. 5 million from the previous year. Families with children and people of color are disproportionately affected.

In 2023, around 13 million children deserve nourishing meals instead of hunger. Studies indicate that 5. 1% of U. S. households experienced very low food security, where families frequently skip meals. Comparatively, 82% of households with children were food secure, while 17. 9% faced food insecurity, with many unable to afford enough food. The USDA report revealed nearly 7 million households had to skip meals due to financial constraints. Globally, nearly 783 million people frequently face hunger, driven by factors like conflict and inequality.

In 2023 alone, 50 million individuals sought food assistance in the U. S. The issue of hunger persists across the world, highlighting a severe crisis that necessitates urgent intervention and collective efforts to ensure affordable, nutritious food for all.

What Percentage Of Families Cook At Home?

Since 2020 and 2021, home cooking has slightly decreased, but 64% of Americans still do it to save money and manage their budgets, according to the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA). While 81% of consumers prepare over half their meals at home, research indicates that 79% of households prepared at least one hot meal daily in 2020. Increased cooking among men aligns with similar trends in Europe, although U. S. male cooking levels remain lower.

Nearly 60% of consumers now use precut frozen fruits and vegetables for convenience, highlighting a shift in food preparation methods. Despite 84% of parents valuing family meals, only 50% have family dinners together. A Kansas State University report states that 70% of U. S. households are central to meal prep for 80% of meals, up from 30% in 2019. Currently, Americans spend an average of 67 minutes in the kitchen daily. Among different demographics, only non-Hispanic white women saw an increase in cooking participation, while non-Hispanic black individuals had the lowest cooking rates.

Recent surveys reveal that women typically cook more than men globally, and in households with children, 80% of mothers are the primary cooks. As the pandemic influenced cooking habits, 70% of families reported increased home cooking.

How Often Do Americans Eat At Home?

In 2023, dining habits of Americans reveal a notable trend towards home cooking. Over 45% of adults are opting for their first meal at home more regularly, with 64% continuing to cook at home primarily to save money. This contrasts with only 44. 3% of their food budget directed towards in-home meals, marking an all-time low. Although cooking at home has slightly decreased since the pandemic's peak, 54% of Americans are still preparing meals more than before COVID-19, with 88% believing home-cooked meals are healthier.

On average, adults dine out 4-5 times a week, suggesting a balance between home-cooked meals and dining out or takeout. Prior to COVID-19, only 37% had breakfast at home daily, which surged to 47% post-pandemic. Additionally, 56% of individuals report dining out, ordering takeout, or having meals delivered 2-3 times weekly. Families are also cooking dinner at home 6-7 times a week, commonly preparing foods like chicken with vegetables, leading to an average of 18. 2 meals out each month. Ultimately, while dining out remains popular, a significant portion of Americans are dedicated to home cooking for health and budgetary reasons.

How Many Families In The US Cannot Afford To Buy Enough Food?

Food insecurity in the U. S. is prevalent, affecting 13. 5% (approximately 18 million) households at some point in 2023, a rise from 12. 8% (17 million) in 2022. In 2022, 44. 2 million individuals faced challenges in securing enough food, a significant increase from 33. 8 million the previous year. This includes over 13 million children, with a nearly 45% increase since 2021. Approximately half (52%) of lower-income parents reported an inability to afford food, rent, or mortgage payments, in contrast to 17% of middle-income and 5% of upper-income parents.

Over 23 million adults — about 1 in 10 — lived in households without sufficient food at times during the past week. Notably, 82% of families struggling with food security fall within the low or very low food security categories. A survey of 3, 000 public-school parents revealed that 58% of middle-income and 68% of lower-income families found it increasingly difficult to provide adequate meals for their children.

Although nearly 97% of counties report hunger issues, many families earn too much to qualify for governmental aid, leaving them to rely on food banks or skip meals. Overall, around one in seven households are unable to access affordable, nutritious food, highlighting a critical issue of hunger in the U. S.

How Many Times A Month Do People Order In Or Eat Out?

According to recent surveys, Americans typically dine out an average of three times a month while opting for delivery or takeout over four times monthly, with 57% favoring the latter option. A significant factor driving people to eat out is the atmosphere of restaurants, which over 60% of respondents appreciated. Although some individuals rarely dine out—5% reported doing so only once every six months—the majority show a clear preference for the convenience of ordering in.

When comparing habits, those surveyed indicate an inclination towards takeout or delivery on average 4. 5 times per month, markedly outpacing restaurant visits. Notably, research by US Foods supports these findings, illustrating the rising trend of ordering in versus dining out.

Additional insights reveal that many adults use takeout as a shared experience, indicating a social aspect to ordering in, especially when living with partners. Various studies have shown that, despite the average monthly spend of $300 on eating out, many people eat out only two to three times a month. The survey conducted by Tasting Table further highlighted these trends, showing that over half of adults report dining out or ordering takeout a couple of times a month. Overall, the data reflects a shift in consumer behavior, balancing between the enjoyment of dining out and the convenience of delivery.

How Often Do Consumers Report Meals Away From Home?

Dinner ranks second for frequency in reporting meals eaten away from home, with 50% of consumer units indicating expenditures weekly. This contrasts with lunch, which sees a higher frequency at 53%. Factors influencing dining out frequency extend beyond income, incorporating age and gender. The USDA reported that in 2023, Americans allocated an all-time low of 44. 3% of their food budget to at-home meals, while food-away-from-home (FAFH) prices increased by an average of 7.

1%. Notably, only 28% of families reported spending on breakfast and brunch out, compared to 46% for snacks. Average expenditures for food away from home reached approximately $3, 933 per household in 2023. Research indicates that, pre-pandemic, the average American dined out 3. 5 to 5. 5 times weekly, affected by age demographics. Circana's report highlighted that by 2024, 86% of eating occasions occurred at home, driven by economic factors. Meanwhile, convenience foods are increasingly being utilized, with over 60% of consumers employing them weekly.

Additionally, data showcased a notable inclination toward home-cooking, as many consumers expressed a desire to have 76% of their dinners at home despite changing trends. The pandemic's impact still resonates, influencing food choices and dining behaviors across the U. S.

How Many Kids Don'T Eat At Home?

Recent estimates reveal that nearly 14 million children in the United States live in "food insecure" homes, defined as households lacking enough food for every member to maintain a healthy life. From 2019 to 2020, around one in ten children experienced insufficient food access. In 2021, over half of U. S. children aged 5–17 received free or reduced-price meals at school, with particularly high rates among Black or African American (66.

2%) and Hispanic or Latino populations. Approximately one in five children faces regular food insecurity, a serious issue noticed by school nutrition professionals who see the struggles of students awaiting meals each Monday morning.

Despite the implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2012, as of June 2023, 17. 9% of children live in households where adults report insufficient food due to various challenges. Recent surveys indicate that many children do not consume adequate fruits and vegetables, emphasizing a national concern over nutrition. The reality of food insecurity affects diverse households, and many children do not eat meals consistently at home, which can impede proper growth and development.

Addressing this crisis, organizations like Feeding America aim to ensure all children have reliable access to nutritious food, affirming the belief that every child deserves to eat without financial worries.

How Many Kids Go To Bed Hungry In The United States?

In America, child hunger remains a critical issue, with approximately 12 million children currently experiencing food insecurity. Recent USDA research highlights that over 13 million children live in "food insecure" homes, equating to nearly one in five children uncertain about their next meal. The No Kid Hungry initiative indicates that 1 in 7 children faces hunger, illustrating the profound extent of this issue.

Reportedly, as many as 14 million children faced hunger in 2023 alone. Alarmingly, one in six children in the U. S. lacks adequate daily nutrition, contributing to a childhood hunger rate of 16. 1% as of 2020.

The hunger crisis affects families with children disproportionately, with over 42 million Americans unable to secure healthy food. The growing prevalence of child hunger can be traced back to poverty, affecting 16. 9% of children nationwide. Advocacy efforts emphasize that 16. 2 million children struggle with hunger, and many go to bed without sufficient meals. Programs like No Kid Hungry are crucial in addressing this plight, working to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food.

The situation continues to evolve, underscoring the necessity of understanding and resolving child hunger comprehensively across the United States. Each child enduring hunger is a significant concern that demands urgent attention.

Is Home Cooking Declining?

In 2022, people in the U. S. and Canada averaged only 8. 4 home-cooked meals per week, the lowest globally, reflecting a steady rate since 2019. Contributing factors to the decline in home cooking include shifting gender roles and a reversal of pandemic cooking habits, as noted by a Gallup-Cookpad survey indicating a decrease in the kitchen activity of Americans. Millennials, in particular, are engaging in home cooking less than previous generations, leading experts to highlight missed wellness opportunities.

Despite growing media interest in food, overall cooking time is decreasing, and public health research emphasizes the importance of cooking skills for nutrition. The decline in home cooking has been noted across several countries, including the U. S., Canada, and the UK. Although many Americans still cook to save money, the trend has been ongoing for decades. Statistics from the USDA reveal that food prices at home are rising, heightening challenges for home cooking.

Overall, while home cooking is associated with positive dietary and health outcomes, participation continues to drop amidst evolving societal norms, with evidence remaining inconsistent regarding its benefits.

What Percentage Of Foodservice Meals Are Eaten At Home?

According to NPD’s CREST research, families, particularly those of five or more, accounted for 31% of meals consumed at home, with dinner making up half of these occasions. However, morning meals and lunches saw more significant growth recently. Despite a slight decline from the peak in 2020-2021, 64% of Americans continue cooking at home to manage budgets, as highlighted in the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods' annual report. The report noted 86% of eating occasions sourced from home, demonstrating a shift in dining patterns over the past year.

Researchers from the ERS examined food choices, nutrition, and diet quality related to food away from home (FAFH). Americans allocate 12. 5% of their household budgets to food, with 59% turning to precut frozen options to save prep time. In 2023, only 44. 3% of food budgets were spent on at-home food, marking a record low. Additionally, 57% of food expenditures went towards meals prepared away from home.

Consumers reported a propensity to eat out more frequently, observing that the percentages of spending vary significantly. The economic landscape influences dining choices, with food from home sources transitioning from 51. 9% in 2020 to a notable shift in preferences by 2023.

What Percentage Of People Eat At Home?

In 2023, 71% of those cooking at home were already at home, with adult, high-income singles (earning $100K+) largely influencing the trend of restaurant meals consumed at home. Data from the USDA revealed that Americans allocated only 44. 3% of their food budget to food at home (FAH) – the lowest ever, while food away from home (FAFH) reached 55. 7%, marking a record. Notably, an increase in home cooking rose during the pandemic, yet survey findings indicate many consumers still prefer dining out—81% now cook more than half of their meals at home, while nearly 60% resort to precut frozen options for convenience.

As people regain confidence in cooking, there’s a growing interest in creating healthier meals using frozen ingredients, especially as the gap between FAFH and FAH spending widened by $300 million last year. Despite the rise of home-cooked meals—69% claim to cook at home four or more nights a week—many report they dine out due to convenience and a desire for socialization. While 57% of Americans are eating at home more than usual, reflecting a continued shift initiated by the pandemic, spending patterns suggest a return to previous eating habits as consumers balance their choices.