Exploring sociodemographic and nutrition-related correlates of meal-kit use across five countries: findings from the International Food Policy Study.
Public Health Nutrition 2026 ; 29: e5.
Boyar L, White CM, Vanderlee L, Adams J, White M, Sacks G, Coyle D, Cooke N, Hammond D
DOI : 10.1017/S1368980025101584
PubMed ID : 41431224
PMCID :
Abstract
To assess the frequency and correlates of meal-kit use across five countries using population-level data.
Online surveys conducted in 2022 assessed meal-kit use in the past week. Binary logistic regression models examined sociodemographic and nutrition-related correlates of meal-kit use, including self-reported home meal preparation and cooking skills, commercially prepared meal consumption and healthy eating, weight change and sustainability efforts.
Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA and Mexico.
20,401 adults aged 18-100 years.
Overall, 14 % of participants reported using meal-kits in the past week. Use was highest in the USA (18 %) and lowest in Canada (9 %). Meal-kit use was greater among individuals who were younger, male, of minority ethnicity, had high educational attainment, had higher income adequacy or had children living in the household ( < 0·01 for all). Use was greater for those who participated in any food shopping (. none), those who prepared food sometimes (3-4 d/week or less . never) and those who reported 'fair' or better cooking skills (. poor; < 0·05 for all). Consuming any 'ready-to-eat' food (. none) and visiting restaurants more recently (. > 6 months ago; < 0·001 for all) were associated with greater meal-kit use. Eating fruits/vegetables more than 2 times/d and engaging in diet modification efforts were also associated with increased meal-kit use, as was engaging in weight change or sustainability efforts ( < 0·001 for all).
Meal-kits tend to be used by individuals who make efforts to support their health and sustainability, potentially valuing 'convenient' alternatives to traditional home meal preparation; however, use is concentrated amongst those with higher income adequacy.