We’re Eating Out Almost As Much As We Cook at Home
It’s no longer just a weekend treat — more and more of us are grabbing takeout, ordering delivery, or dining out so much that it’s become almost as common as cooking food at home.
The Big Picture
Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Macrobond, and Apollo Global Management’s Chief Economist shows that spending on food “away from home” — restaurants, takeout, and delivery — has climbed steadily. In many households, it now rivals, and in some cases exceeds, what’s spent on groceries eaten at home.
What’s Driving the Shift?
- Busy lives: With more dual-income households and longer work hours, it’s harder to find time to cook every night.
- Convenience and technology: Delivery apps, meal kits, and drive-throughs make it easier than ever to grab food on the go.
- Evolving restaurant culture: Fast-casual dining, chef-driven takeout, and higher-quality options have made eating out part of everyday life.
- Price trends: Even as restaurant prices have risen, consumers continue to prioritize convenience — pushing “food away from home” to a larger share of total food spending.
Why It Matters
- Family budgets: Eating out more often means greater exposure to rising menu prices, delivery fees, and tipping.
- Health: Meals eaten away from home are typically higher in calories, fat, and sodium than home-cooked food.
- The restaurant industry: While demand is strong, labor shortages and higher costs continue to challenge profit margins.
- Inflation data: Because restaurant and grocery prices behave differently, this shift affects how consumers experience and economists measure inflation.