Prevalence of online food delivery platforms, meal kit delivery, and online grocery use in five countries: an analysis of the 2022 International Food Policy Study

  1. Rebecca Bennett
  2. Clara Gomez Donso
  3. Christina Zorbas
  4. Gary Sacks
  5. Christine White
  6. David Hammond
  7. Adyya Gupta
  8. Adrian Cameron
  9. Lana Vanderlee
  10. Alejandra Contreras-Manzano
  11. Kathryn Backholer
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Abstract

Background: Online food retail is increasing in popularity, with user-friendly apps, new delivery models, and the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns changing consumer expectations. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of online food retail platform use (defined as online food delivery platforms, online grocery retailers, and online meal kit delivery services) across Australia, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. We also assessed the associations between sociodemographic and behavioural factors and use of online food retail. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with adults as part of the 2022 International Food Policy Survey (n=19 877). We described the frequency of use and number of meals ordered using different online food retail and delivery platforms. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess associations between the use of online food retail and delivery platforms, and sociodemographic and behavioural factors (including age, sex, household composition, BMI, income adequacy, ethnicity, cooking skills, nutrition knowledge, and frequency of food preparation). All estimates were weighted to age and sex-specific national populations. Results: Overall, 58% of participants used online retail and delivery platforms. Of these, 36% of participants used online restaurants and 28% used online supermarkets, in the previous 30 days. The odds of using online restaurants was significantly higher for men (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14 -1.33) and participants aged 18-29 (compared to those 60 years or older)(OR: 6.10, 95% CI: 5.34 – 7.00). Participants aged 18-29 also had the highest odds of using online convenience stores (OR: 7.51, 95% CI: 5.71 – 9.88). Participants living with primary school aged children had higher odds of using online supermarkets compared to those without children (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 2.22 – 2.94). ​ Conclusions: A substantial proportion of people are buying food online. Efforts to improve population diets need to ensure that online food retail platforms support good health and nutrition.

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  1. Version published to 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4987799/v1 on Research Square