Exploring sociodemographic and nutrition-related correlates of meal-kit use across five countries: findings from the International Food Policy Study

Abstract Objective: To assess the frequency and correlates of meal-kit use across five countries using population-level data. Design: 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. Setting: Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA and Mexico. Participants: 20,401 adults aged 18–100 years. Results: 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 (P < 0·01 for all). Use was greater for those who participated in any food shopping (v. none), those who prepared food sometimes (3–4 d/week or less v. never) and those who reported ‘fair’ or better cooking skills (v. poor; P < 0·05 for all). Consuming any ‘ready-to-eat’ food (v. none) and visiting restaurants more recently (v. > 6 months ago; P < 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 (P < 0·001 for all). Conclusions: 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.