Circana Report Details Evolving American Eating Patterns
A new industry report finds daily eating rhythms are shifting, with consumers prioritizing convenience, protein, and value, forcing restaurants to adapt
Restaurant operators must adapt to consumers' evolving daily rhythms by offering flexible portion sizes, portable options, and varied price points. This is according to the 41st annual Eating Patterns in America report from market research firm Circana, which analyzes billions of eating and drinking occasions.
David Portalatin, senior vice president and food and foodservice industry advisor for Circana, stated that traditional meal times are blurring. "Our rhythms of the day are evolving," he said. "For many consumers, eating occasions arise at time of the day that may not look like a traditional lunch or dinner."
While away-from-home eating is rebounding, the report confirms home remains the core of American food culture. A significant 85 percent of all eating occasions are still sourced from the home.
Demand for Convenience, Value, and Protein
Portalatin notes that restaurant demand persists despite economic pressures like rising energy costs. However, value-focused consumers often find eating at home more affordable. Successful operators, therefore, must compete on other aspects of value like food quality, convenience, or a unique experience.
The report includes several key data points on current behavior:
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Additional meals away from home vs. 2025 | 17 more |
| Meals away from home vs. 2019 | 77 fewer |
| Breakfasts prepared in under 5 minutes | 65% |
| Lunches prepared in under 5 minutes | 56% |
| Dinners prepared in under 5 minutes | 35% |
| Increase in snacking occasions vs. Last year | Up 11 occasions |
| Adults seeking more protein | 48% (up 7 points) |
| GLP-1 users seeking more protein | 65% |
| Commercial meals described as "high protein" | 12% |
| Growth in "high protein" meal occasions | 11% year-over-year |
Protein is now second only to vegetables among items Americans want more of in their diets. The data also reveals a nutritional imbalance: adults consume nearly double the recommended daily protein but less than half the recommended fiber.
The Drive for Simple, Fast Solutions
Simplicity is a major theme for consumers across all day parts. Portalatin explained that convenience is a primary motivator, especially in the morning. "The ultimate convenience in meal preparation is to outsource it to a restaurant," he said. This demand has driven breakfast to outperform other day parts at commercial restaurants over the past five years.
This search for simple solutions extends to the home, creating an opportunity for restaurant takeout and delivery services. Consumers are looking for specific attributes when they choose to dine out.
What Draws Diners Away From Home
Portalatin outlined the key factors that entice consumers to restaurants. People dine out for indulgent foods they cannot easily make themselves, for the unique experience and service of hospitality, and for the sheer convenience of having meal preparation handled for them. He emphasized that consumers seek these benefits at a relatively valuable price point. Finding that balance is what successfully pulls people away from their own kitchens and pantries.
On the protein trend, the report found demand across all forms. Chicken leads, but all animal proteins including dairy are sought after. Growth is also seen in protein additives in beverages like coffee. Regarding the fiber gap, Portalatin suggested restaurants can help by educating consumers about fiber content and highlighting existing menu options that provide it.
