The Polarisation Between Fast Food And Healthy Eating: An Insight Report

Recent QuMind data reveals that a significant portion of the population frequently indulges in fast food, with two out of three Brits having ordered it in the past few weeks.. Only 12% never order fast food. This high frequency of consumption can have substantial effects on societal habits and overall health.

Reasons for this level of frequency can be attributed to…

1) The Convenience Of Fast Food

Fast food offers a quick meal solution, perfectly fitting into busy lifestyles and supporting the fast-paced nature of modern society. According to the most recent Mealtrak SOTN report, the primary reason for choosing fast food is the desire for something quick and easy, a trend that continues to grow year after year. The advent and explosion of delivery services such as Deliveroo and UberEats have without a doubt aided this in recent years. 

2) The Affordability Of Fast Food

Often cheaper than traditional dining out of home, fast food makes eating out accessible to more people, affecting spending habits and economic distribution. 

3) Variety and Accessibility

The wide range of fast food options caters to diverse tastes, influencing dietary preferences and making certain foods more mainstream and accessible than ever before.

All of this is despite the fact that fast food carries significant health risks; high consumption rates are linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, impacting public health and increasing healthcare costs, not to mention the environmental impact; pollution emissions from deliveries, packaging and food waste – all currently high profile topics. 

What The Insights Data From Mealtrak Shows Us

Interestingly, while fast food consumption remains high, recent Mealtrak data shows a concurrent increase in eating choices influenced by health needs, such as high protein, low calorie, and diet-specific options. 

This polarisation highlights a divide in societal eating habits. On one hand, the convenience and affordability of fast food drive its popularity. On the other hand, there’s a growing awareness and preference for healthy eating among another segment of the population, influenced by health consciousness and wellness trends. 

The data suggests that high frequency fast food consumption is reshaping societal habits, but it coexists with a rising trend in healthy eating. This duality in consumption patterns reflects broader societal trends: while some prioritise convenience and cost, others focus on health and nutrition. 

This suggests an emerging market opportunity where both needs for convenience, speed, affordability, and health can be catered for. Balancing fast food consumption with healthier, more sustainable choices is crucial for fostering a healthier society. Encouraging awareness and accessibility to healthy options can help bridge this divide and promote overall well-being.

Qumind is the ultimate plug in for insight teams – offering all your research needs in one place, while Mealtrak has been the broadest measure of the out of home food-to-go market in the UK since 2014. For more information, contact us here.