“Takeaway Night”: Understanding UK families’ consumption of takeaway food for family mealtimes

Takeaway food is typically of poor nutritional quality and its increasing availability and consumption is considered a contributor to the obesity crisis. Shared family mealtimes are associated with a wealth of positive outcomes for children and adolescents, and are valued by family members. Parents describe prioritising health when planning family meals and consuming takeaway food seems incongruent with this goal. This study aimed to investigate UK families' consumption of takeaway food for family mealtimes and explore the interplay between the nutritional harms of occasional takeaway food for family mealtimes and the broader benefits arising from sharing meals with family. An online survey was completed by 189 parents diverse in key socio-demographic characteristics. Results showed that consumption of takeaway food for family mealtimes is common (96 % did so at least occasionally) but for most families relatively infrequent (74 % did so less than weekly). Content analysis of responses to open-ended questions revealed that parents considered takeaway food for family mealtimes a convenient, enjoyable treat associated with togetherness and connectedness. Logistic regression analysis indicated a non-linear association between frequent consumption of takeaway food for family mealtimes, household income and neighbourhood deprivation, with low household income and high neighbourhood deprivation significantly associated with frequent consumption. This study is the first to examine the consumption of takeaway food for family mealtimes. The positivity with which parents described "takeaway night" suggests it is an important part of family culture and may not be readily given up. Given this, policies and interventions would most effectively focus on improving the nutritional quality of takeaway food.