A recent study conducted in 16 countries has shown a growing trend of people dining out earlier than they did before the pandemic. New data from Mastercard reveals that people across most European countries are dining out earlier, with significant shifts in countries like Austria, Portugal, and Ireland. On average, Europeans are dining 10 minutes earlier than in 2019. This change in dining habits is believed to have several health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced cardiovascular risks, and better blood glucose levels. The shift towards dining earlier is attributed to factors such as flexible work schedules and a growing focus on health-conscious behaviors.
According to Natalia Lechmanova, chief economist of Europe at the Mastercard Economics Institute, the trend towards dining earlier can be explained by changes in work schedules and a growing emphasis on health-conscious behaviors. With more people working flexibly, they have more control over their schedules and can decide when they want to go out to eat. Additionally, consumers are becoming more health-conscious, prioritizing things like sleep and proper meal times. This shift in dining habits is reflected in the data, which shows that people are indeed eating earlier than before.
In addition to changes in dining habits, the research also indicates a shift in grocery shopping patterns. Consumers are now tending to shop earlier in the week, on traditionally quieter days like Monday and Tuesday, rather than during the typical weekend rush seen before the pandemic. This change in shopping behavior reflects deeper changes in how people prioritize their time and experiences, according to Natalia Lechmanova. The data suggests that these ‘early-bird’ behaviors are not just trends, but are indicative of a larger shift in consumer behaviors.
The research also highlights a move away from precooked meals and towards more mindful meal planning and eating with other household members. This shift towards proper meal times and mindful purchasing is in line with the overall trend of dining out earlier and prioritizing health-conscious behaviors. The growing emphasis on health and well-being is expected to continue driving changes in food habits across Europe as people become more aware of the importance of eating at the right times and making healthier choices.
Overall, the data from the study conducted by Mastercard indicates that people across Europe are changing their eating behaviors in response to the pandemic. The trend towards dining out earlier, shopping earlier in the week, and focusing on health-conscious behaviors reflects a broader shift towards more mindful consumption. As people continue to prioritize health and well-being, it is likely that these changes in eating habits will persist, leading to a more health-conscious and mindful approach to food consumption across Europe.
