A recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Buddig has unveiled that more than half of employed Americans, specifically 55%, skip lunch to enhance their productivity during busy workdays. The survey, which included 2,000 respondents, focused on a demographic that included 1,000 working parents with school-aged children.
The findings indicate that many workers do not prioritize taking a break for lunch. On average, respondents reported forgetting to eat lunch two days each work week. Alarmingly, over 40% of the participants, or 43%, admitted they rely on reminders to eat, with women being notably more likely to need such prompts (63%) compared to men (48%).
Lunch Habits and Preferences
While the survey highlighted that 63% of working Americans manage to consume a full meal during lunch most days, a significant 37% confessed to opting for lighter snacks instead. Additionally, 13% of those surveyed indicated they regularly work while eating lunch, rather than stepping away from their tasks.
The data also revealed gender differences in lunch habits. Men (91%) are more likely than women (85%) to take a proper lunch break, and hybrid workers (94%) are more inclined to pause for lunch compared to remote (85%) and in-person employees (87%).
A noteworthy portion of the respondents, specifically 33%, typically consume their lunch at their desks, with remote workers (41%) leading this trend, followed by hybrid (38%) and in-person (28%) workers. On average, lunch is consumed at 12:48 p.m., with a typical lunch break lasting only 35 minutes.
Among those who do take a break, multitasking during lunch is common; 43% engage in other activities while eating. Women are more likely to multitask (51%) compared to men (33%). The most frequent distractions include checking social media (70%), texting (64%), and making phone calls (55%). Despite this, a significant majority (84%) of respondents acknowledged that taking technology-free breaks is beneficial for their health.
The Importance of Lunch Breaks
Amy Krider, senior brand manager at Buddig, emphasized the need for workers to prioritize their lunch breaks. “While it can be tempting to power through your workday and skip taking a lunch, it’s important to give yourself a break and eat a full, substantial meal,” Krider noted. She added that proper nourishment is crucial for maintaining energy levels needed for optimal performance throughout the day.
When it comes to meal sourcing, 62% of employed Americans typically bring lunch from home, while one-third (33%) purchase their meals, and 5% are provided meals by their employers. A substantial 75% of workers reported that sandwiches are their preferred lunch option, which resonates with 70% of parents who stated their children also enjoy sandwiches for lunch.
In terms of lunch staples, working Americans identified sandwiches (64%), salads (45%), and hamburgers (33%) as their most common choices. For parents with children in school, the most frequent items are sandwiches (58%), pre-made meal kits (36%), and pizza (30%).
The survey also highlighted a disparity in meal quality between parents and their children. While 83% of parents believed their children’s lunches to be healthy, only 74% felt the same about their own meals. Hybrid workers reported eating the healthiest lunches (79%), compared to 71% of remote workers and 65% of in-person employees. Interestingly, those whose lunches are provided by employers reported healthier choices (75%) than those who bring homemade lunches (72%) and those who buy lunch (62%).
Krider pointed out the challenges faced by busy workers, especially parents. “Busy work schedules mean that many don’t have time to pack healthy, protein-filled lunches,” she said. “And working parents have the added struggle of making sure their kiddos get nutritious, filling meals while at school. That’s where the classic sandwich can come in handy. Protein-filled and versatile, it’s included among respondents’ favorite lunch meals for a reason.”
The survey was conducted online by Talker Research from July 15 to July 18, 2025, gathering insights from a diverse group of employed Americans, including a significant representation of working parents. The results paint a picture of a workforce grappling with time management and the importance of lunch breaks, which are essential for both productivity and well-being.
