Average spending on takeaway food in the UK:
According to various surveys, Britons spend an average of around £1,320 per year on takeaway food. This works out to roughly £110 per month. However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, income level, and location. For example, younger people tend to spend more on takeaways than older people, with those aged 18-24 spending an average of £1,617 per year. Men also tend to spend slightly more on takeaways than women, with an average yearly spend of £1,364 compared to £1,282 for women. It’s also worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on takeaway spending habits, with many people opting for delivery services due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. Overall, takeaway food remains a popular and convenient option for many people in the UK, with a wide range of cuisines and delivery options available.
Increased demand for delivery services:
With people unable or unwilling to go out to restaurants, there has been a significant increase in demand for delivery services such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats. These services have seen a surge in orders and revenue as a result.
Growth of contactless delivery and payment options:
In order to reduce the risk of transmission, many takeaway and delivery services have introduced contactless delivery options. This allows customers to receive their food without any physical contact with the delivery driver. Similarly, many payment providers have introduced contactless payment options to minimize the need for physical payment methods.
Changes in ordering behavior:
With many people working from home and spending more time indoors, there has been a shift towards ordering food earlier in the day, such as for breakfast or lunch. There has also been an increase in family orders and larger group orders, as people look for ways to socialize and connect while following social distancing guidelines.
Emphasis on hygiene and safety:
Takeaway and delivery services have implemented various measures to ensure the safety and hygiene of their food and delivery processes. This includes increased cleaning and sanitization, the use of protective equipment such as masks and gloves, and contactless delivery options.
Regional variations in takeaway spending across the UK:
There are regional variations in takeaway spending across the UK, with some areas spending more than others. Here are some examples of these variations:
London:
According to various surveys, Londoners tend to spend the most on takeaways, with an average spend of around £1,596 per year. This is likely due to factors such as a larger population, a wider range of food options, and a higher cost of living.
Northern Ireland:
Northern Ireland has the lowest average spend on takeaways in the UK, at around £878 per year. This could be due to a smaller population and fewer options for takeaway and delivery services.
North East England:
The North East of England has the highest percentage of people who order takeaways at least once a week, at around 40%. This could be due to factors such as a higher prevalence of fast food chains and a culture of socializing over food.
Scotland:
Scotland has a higher preference for fish and chips compared to other parts of the UK, with the dish accounting for around 40% of all takeaway orders.
Wales:
The Welsh tend to prefer Chinese cuisine when it comes to takeaway food, with Chinese food accounting for around 40% of all takeaway orders in the country.
Overspending:
Ordering takeaway food regularly can add up quickly, especially if it is not accounted for in a personal budget. This can lead to overspending and a lack of awareness of where money is going each month.
Decreased savings to Britons:
If a significant portion of monthly income is going towards takeaway food, there may be less money available for saving and investing.
Health costs to Britons:
Many takeaway options are not the healthiest, which can lead to increased health costs over time. This can include costs associated with weight gain, poor nutrition, and chronic diseases.
Opportunity costs to Britons:
Money spent on takeaway food could be used for other purposes such as investing, saving for a vacation, or paying off debt. This can lead to missed opportunities to improve personal finances in the long run.
The UK’s Favorite Takeaways
How takeaway spending has changed over time in the UK:
Takeaway spending in the UK has changed significantly over time, reflecting changes in consumer preferences, technology, and the overall food culture. Here are some key trends in takeaway spending in the UK:
Increased popularity among Britons:
Takeaway food has become increasingly popular in the UK over the past few decades, with more and more people opting for the convenience and variety that it offers.
Digital transformation to Britons:
The rise of digital technology has made it easier than ever to order takeaway food, with online ordering and delivery services becoming the norm. This has led to increased competition among takeaway providers and greater convenience for consumers.
Health and sustainability concerns for Britons:
As people become more aware of the impact of their food choices on health and the environment, there has been a growing demand for healthier and more sustainable takeaway options. This has led to the rise of plant-based and low-carbon takeaway options.
Price sensitivity to Britons:
The economic downturns of recent years have made consumers more price-sensitive when it comes to takeaway spending. This has led to the rise of value-for-money options and meal deals.
COVID-19 pandemic to Britons:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on takeaway spending in the UK, with many people opting for takeaway food over restaurant dining due to safety concerns. This has led to a surge in demand for delivery services and increased competition among takeaway providers.
