More than 40% of UK adults skip lunch at least once a week, with 20% saying they skip lunch at least three times a week, according to a new survey by Canadean Custom Solutions (CCS).
The research found that 25- to 34-year-olds are least likely to eat lunch on a daily basis. Just 49% said they eat an afternoon meal seven days a week.
When asked why, 46% answered: “I don’t always feel hungry at lunchtime.” Over a quarter (26%) said: “I don’t have time to eat lunch every day”.
A lack of hunger was attributed to the rise in snacking, with 24% of British adults saying that they prefer to snack throughout the day rather than eat lunch.
A lack of time is also impacting where consumers eat lunch, and what they choose to eat. Of those questioned, 46% said they eat lunch on-the-go at least once a week. When selecting what to eat, convenience (38%) was preferred over health (33%), and “what is available at-home” (53%) over “what is the tastiest” (48%).
Florin Ivan, research manager at CCS, said: “Time-scarcity is impacting on lunch-time occasions, with people either prone to skipping lunch or trying to facilitate their busy lifestyles by eating whilst doing other activities. Convenience is king at lunch-time, with consumers willing to compromise on taste and health in favour of food that is quick to prepare and readily available.
“Whilst consumers may feel that they are managing their busy lifestyles by adopting such lunchtime regimes, it could have long-term implications on their health.”
