Dinner for one

Consumers eat mainly alone, according to new study
8/8/2014

So much for grabbing lunch with friends.

According to the NPD Group, more than half of eating occasions occur when a consumer is alone. About 60% of breakfasts are eaten alone, as are 55% of lunches. In addition, snacking is usually a solo affair, as consumers are likely to grab something to munch on in between meals away from home, or while on the go.

"The number of solo eating and beverage occasions have wide-ranging implications for food and beverage marketers in terms of new products, packaging and positioning," said Darren Seifer, NPD food and beverage analyst. "As lifestyles shift, it's key for marketers to profile and segement occasions when their product is consumed in various ways, including solo versus special occasions, in order to connect more effectively with consumers."

One-person households are at a historical high in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau.

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