Study: Households With Kids Eat Out More Often
A new report from the firm Research and Markets says Americans today eat out nearly one out of every four meals and snacks, spending almost half their food budgets on dining out.
The study, titled “Attitudes Towards Dining Out in the United States,” also says—
• More than half of adults agree eating out is an essential part of their lifestyle.
• Some population segments frequent restaurants more than others: men more than women, younger more than older, Hispanics and blacks more than whites, households with higher incomes more than those in lower income ranges, and households with children more than those without.
The report covers what consumers who dine out expect at restaurants and the reasons why they dine out, but not what they’re choosing to eat. The report looks at
• the reasons for dining out
• the importance of customizing for taste, choice of side options, healthful options, and large portions
• dining out habits, including interest in trying new restaurants, desire to eat out more/less, and likelihood of eating too much when eating restaurant food.