-
- All Industries /
- Consumer Insights /
- US Consumer Approach to Lunch Report 2025
US Consumer Approach to Lunch Report 2025
- Multiple Report Formats
- Access to our Clients Portal
- Interactive Databook
- Custom Presentation Tool
Consumers remain largely ambivalent about lunch, with only 45% associating “satisfaction” with their midday meal. The paradox, however, is that fewer than a third want lunch to be a more enjoyable experience. A filling lunch is by far the most agreed upon quality, though emphasis varies somewhat for those that WFH versus in an office.
For brands to successfully introduce new products or concepts, they must demonstrate minimal disruption while emphasizing clear benefits. While consumers may not desire drastic changes to lunch, they do value convenience and compatibility with their daily routines.
The most significant demographic differences exist between Baby Boomers and other generations; while some of this may be life stage, Millennials and Gen Z seem to have a fundamental difference in their approach to lunch. These consumers are more likely than their older counterparts to seek variety and eat lunch with others.
Overall, a focus on the non-food aspects of lunch can help remind consumers that, even if they don’t need or want a complex meal, they should take a break to boost their energy. Brands can ensure a lunch break is restorative, not disruptive, by offering nutritious, tasty, and low-effort lunch items that are quick, easy and convenient to plan for, prepare and ultimately eat.
Ease and balance are the key to lunchtime success. Food choices need to fit into consumer days seamlessly; otherwise, lunch breaks are more stressful than energizing.
Michele Scott, Associate Director, US Research – Food and Drink
Mintel is the world’s leading market intelligence agency. We show you how consumers think today and tomorrow. As a trusted partner to industry leaders, we deliver game-changing insights to businesses across the globe, fuelling their marketing and innovation strategies that will shape the future.
Access high-quality market research with every purchase of Mintel’s consumer reports. Here’s what else is included in your report purchase:
From consumer reports to customised growth strategies. We have an option to suit your business requirements.
Find out more£ 5,000 – £ 21,600
Mintel’s 2024-25 Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer Study is designed to help you understand what brands and companies should prioritise in order to educate consumers and ensure...
Find out more£ 3,695
Bars are a pantry staple, with 80% of US consumers reporting a purchase within the past three months. Leading the charge are Gen Z, Millennials, and parents, who...
Find out more£ 3,695
After the disruption of the pandemic and spiking inflation, the soup category has settled back into its long-term pattern of slow growth. Minimal gains for the category as...
Find out more£ 3,695
Remixing and recontextualizing foreign cultural elements into the mainstream is one of many ways cultures evolve over time. The mass adoption of the internet and social media has...
Find out more£ 3,695
Hispanic shoppers prioritize price/deals when grocery shopping, and they are confident in their knowledge of which stores have the best prices. As budget pressures force tighter trade-offs, consumers...
Find out more£ 3,695
9 in 10 consumers purchase from the nut-based and sweet spreads categories, making spreads a pantry staple. The typical pantry is most likely to get stocked with with...
Find out moreFrom consumer reports to customised growth strategies. We have an option to suit your business requirements.
Find out more