A new European study has raised significant concerns about the growing role of out-of-home food consumption in shaping modern diets and long-term public health outcomes.
Based on survey data from more than 1,000 adults in Scotland, the study found that eating food purchased outside the home—from cafés, restaurants, takeaways and convenience stores—has become routine. Participants reported an average of seven eating-out occasions per week.
The research, conducted by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, links frequent out-of-home eating to higher overall intake of calories, saturated fat, sugar and salt.
Food consumed outside the home now accounts for approximately 20 percent of daily calorie intake among adults, rising to around 30 percent among those who frequently rely on such options. Commonly consumed items include sandwiches, pizzas, chips, chicken-based meals and baked goods—foods that are convenient but often energy-dense and nutrient-poor.
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A supplementary analysis found that takeaway meals from fast food outlets were particularly high in calories, with nearly half containing more than 1,200 calories—exceeding half of an average adult’s recommended daily intake.
Food purchased “on the go” from supermarkets and convenience stores represented the most frequently consumed category, followed closely by cafés and coffee shops, reflecting the normalization of convenience-driven eating.
The findings arrive against a backdrop of rising obesity in Scotland, where nearly one in three adults is living with obesity and approximately one in five children is considered at risk.
Public health researchers warn that these trends underscore the need to address the broader food environment, particularly the widespread availability and marketing of foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
Aggressive online promotions, meal deals and upsizing strategies may further encourage excess calorie consumption and undermine healthier choices.
Laura Wilson, Head of Public Health Nutrition at Food Standards Scotland, noted that while out-of-home food offers convenience and enjoyment, the nutritional profile of many available options makes it difficult to maintain a balanced diet consistently.
The research adds to a growing body of evidence linking increased consumption of ultra-processed and out-of-home foods with higher risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Collectively, these findings reinforce the importance of policy-level interventions, improved food labeling and healthier retail environments.
The study concludes that the modern food environment—characterized by convenience-driven consumption, extensive marketing of energy-dense foods and increasing reliance on meals eaten outside the home—is playing a significant role in shaping dietary patterns that may contribute to long-term health risks.
Dr. Sahrish Mahmood is a writer with a passion for cultural storytelling, music, and the arts, viewing them as bridges for cultural connection between people.
