Pandemic-Changed Eating Habits Likely To Remain

Consumers are now carrying out (27%) or eating drive-thru (23%) more than they were pre-pandemic, according to the latest “The Why? Behind The Dine™” from Acosta and its foodservice arm, CORE Foodservice.

It’s looking more and more likely that many consumer dining habits have been forever altered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Consumers are showing a growing interest in experiential, cost-efficient, and convenient dining options. The report reveals 70% of diners have recently ordered from a food truck, pop-up restaurant, or a ghost kitchen.? These changes are impacting restaurants – and the way they conduct business - from coast to coast.

Here are some other findings from the report: 

• Seventy-five percent of shoppers say they have recently eaten carry-out, dined at a restaurant and/or eaten prepared foods from the grocery store.  
• Fifty-three percent of consumers are dining in restaurants less.
• Twenty-seven percent of consumers are ordering carry-out more.
• Twenty-three percent of consumers are eating drive-thru more.
• Over half of diners say they want continued Covid-19 safety precautions in restaurants and 44% report noticing higher menu prices. 
• Twenty-eight percent of shoppers say they have recently ordered from a food truck.?
• Twenty-three percent of shoppers say they have recently ordered from a pop-up restaurant.? 
• Nineteen percent of shoppers say they have recently ordered from a ghost kitchen.? 
• Rising food costs are also a concern for restaurants and consumers alike, with 44% of diners noticing higher menu prices.

Acosta’s “The Why? Behind The Dine” report was gathered via online surveys conducted between August 1 and August 6, 2021.