Europeans Changed Behavior in Restaurants: Research Data.

Europeans Dine Earlier Due to Pandemic - Study

A Mastercard study conducted in 16 countries showed that Europeans have started dining in restaurants earlier than before the pandemic. According to Euronews, the biggest changes are observed in Austria (18 minutes earlier), Portugal (16 minutes), and Ireland (15 minutes). Earlier dining has a positive impact on health as it improves digestion, reduces cardiovascular disease risks, and regulates blood glucose levels. On average, Europeans dine 10 minutes earlier than before.

Previous studies on food habits after the Covid-19 pandemic show that Europeans are changing their eating habits, focusing more on meal planning and smart shopping. They are also moving away from ready-made meals in favor of "proper nutrition" and choosing to eat with family.

Natalia Lechmanova, chief economist for Europe at the Mastercard Economics Institute, told Euronews about the factors influencing this trend: "One reason is that we work more flexibly, so we have more control over our schedule, and we can decide when we want to eat".

"The second reason is that consumers have become more health-conscious. They prioritize sleep, go to bed earlier, and sleep longer," she explained.

Besides eating habits, the coronavirus has also impacted shopping patterns: consumers now tend to shop at the beginning of the week, on calmer days such as Monday and Tuesday, rather than during the usual weekend rush that was popular pre-pandemic. "We are observing significant changes in consumer behavior," says Natalia Lechmanova.

The British Psychological Society (BPS) warns that drinking coffee before shopping can contribute to "impulsive purchases" and cites results from its study.