EATING OUT CULTURE AND FOOD ORDERING TRENDS: A HEALTH PERSPECTIVE AMONG HOUSEHOLDS - A CASE STUDY IN KANNUR DISTRICT

This study explores eating-out culture and food ordering trends among households in Kannur district, Kerala, from a health perspective. Results show that 55.0% of the 60 surveyed households prefer eating out over home-cooked meals. Respondents are mainly graduates, salaried or self-employed, living in nuclear and higher-income families, which contributes to higher frequency and spending on outside food. The majority of households eat out at least 3 times per week, mainly due to taste preference, convenience and time constraints. All respondents knew that outside food contains excess oil, salt and sugar, but there is a clear knowledge-action gap and health is ranked lowest in food choice decisions. Reported effects include digestive problems, dietary imbalance, increased consumption of processed foods and decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Spearman’s rank correlation showed a moderate significant positive association between awareness of nutrition, and health-conscious decisions, indicating that awareness has a role in behavior, but is not enough on its own to effect change. There are gaps in nutritional labeling, availability of healthy foods, enforcement of food safety and behavioral support, despite strong preventative attitudes. The study highlights the need for nutritional transparency, awareness programs and better access to healthy food options to promote better dietary habits in Kannur district.