Context
‘Out of home’ refers to:
- any food or drink bought and eaten away from home, including ‘on the go’
- any takeaway or home delivered food
Eating out of home in Scotland: what does it mean for our health?
Eating out of home has become part of everyday life in Scotland. It’s no longer just for sit-down meals in restaurants on a special occasion. Many of us grab food 'on the go' because it’s quick, easy, and fits into our busy work schedules. Whether it's grabbing a coffee and a pastry, picking up a sandwich for lunch, choosing dinner from the workplace canteen, or ordering in a takeaway, eating out is now part of how we live.
It can be enjoyable and convenient, but there is a catch. The options around us are often not very healthy. A recent survey found that 21% of calories consumed in Scotland came from out of home food (1). With nearly 1 in 3 adults living with obesity and almost 1 in 5 children at risk of obesity in Scotland (2), the food offered and promoted when we eat out of home matters not only for our health now but also for the health of future generations.
This report brings together the latest research to show how the out of home environment affects what we buy and eat in Scotland. It uses data from across the UK. This report is for policy makers, educators, stakeholders including the food industry, health professionals and the public.
Note: This report does not contain any information on alcoholic drinks.