Convenience-led eating habits are reshaping Scotland’s food landscape, with “on the go” options and everyday meal deals now dominating how and where people eat, according to new research from Food Standards Scotland (FSS).
The study, conducted in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and involving more than 1,000 adults across the country, found that Scots are eating out of home an average of seven times per week. What was once reserved for occasional treats has become a routine part of daily life.
Food consumed outside the home now accounts for around 20% of adults’ daily calorie intake, rising to approximately 30% among the most frequent consumers. However, the research highlights growing concerns over the nutritional impact of these habits, with frequent out-of-home eating linked to higher intakes of calories, saturated fat, salt and sugar.
FSS points to a food environment shaped by the widespread availability of high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt options, compounded by aggressive online promotions, value-driven upsizing and multi-buy meal deals. Together, these factors are making healthier choices less accessible.
The findings reveal that food purchased “on the go” from supermarkets and convenience stores is the most commonly consumed, with cafés and coffee shops also ranking among the most frequently visited outlets. Everyday items such as sandwiches, pizzas, chips, chicken dishes and cakes account for the majority of calories consumed outside the home.
A supplementary FSS report further underscores the issue, showing that takeaway meals from fast food outlets are often particularly calorie-dense, with nearly half exceeding 1,200 calories, which is more than half of an adult’s recommended daily intake.
Laura Wilson, Head of Public Health Nutrition at FSS, said: “Eating out of home is now a routine part of everyday life in Scotland, not just something we do on special occasions. While it can be convenient and enjoyable, the food on offer often makes it difficult to eat well. When more than a fifth of our daily calories come from out of home, the options that are available, promoted and how they are priced really matter for our health.”
The report comes amid ongoing public health concerns, with nearly one in three adults in Scotland living with obesity and almost one in five children at risk. FSS warns that the current food environment is contributing to these trends and calls for coordinated action to improve access to healthier choices.
Professor Lindsay Jaacks of the University of Edinburgh highlighted the cultural shift underpinning the findings. “Everyday eating out of home is part of Scotland’s food culture, from meal deals at supermarkets to grabbing a coffee and pastry at cafés and bakeries. We need to support Scotland’s food and drink sector to improve the offer of healthier options that are tasty, quick and convenient,” she said.
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FSS is urging collaboration between government and industry to create a healthier out-of-home food environment. Proposed measures include clearer nutritional information, smaller portion sizes, reformulated recipes and improved promotion of healthier options, particularly for children.
Our webinar on 30 June at 1pm will dive into the details of the latest FSS reports. To register to attend visit Eating out of home in Scotland: what we eat, buy and why | Food Standards Scotland. To read the reports in full, visit the FSS website www.foodstandards.gov.scot.
