The UK’s favourite work lunch

Key findings

• 42% of UK office workers bring a packed lunch to work
• 60% eat lunch at their desk rather than taking a proper break
• Workers spend an average of £15 to £20 per week on lunch
• Tesco is the most popular place to buy lunch
• Greggs ranks second among UK lunch spots

What is a typical work lunch in the UK?

A work lunch simply refers to the meal someone eats during their working day, usually during a lunch break or short pause in the afternoon. While packed lunches dominate, the foods inside them tend to follow familiar patterns. The most common work lunch choices include:

• Sandwiches
• Salads
• Pasta pots
• Soup
• Leftovers from dinner

These habits reveal an important insight about workplace culture: lunch is often quick, convenient and squeezed between meetings or tasks.

The UK's favourite work lunch

Our survey of 1,000 office workers revealed that bringing lunch from home is the UK's most common work lunch habit, with 42% saying they prepare something themselves.

This approach is particularly popular among older workers, with over half of employees aged 55+ preferring a homemade lunch.

Younger professionals tend to make different choices. Among Gen Z workers, grabbing lunch while out and about is far more common.

This reflects the wider shift in workplace behaviour where convenience and flexibility often outweigh routine meal preparation.

Where do UK workers buy their lunch?

When workers choose to buy lunch, supermarkets dominate.

Our research found that Tesco is the UK's favourite place to buy a work lunch, with around a third of workers choosing it.

Greggs in particular stands out as a favourite bakery choice, with 30% of respondents saying they buy lunch there.

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Where lunch preferences change across the UK

Lunch habits vary depending on where people work.

These differences highlight how local culture and availability influence everyday workplace routines.

How much do UK workers spend on lunch?

Lunch spending adds up quickly over the course of a year.

Our survey found that the average UK worker spends £15 to £20 per week on lunch.

Over a year, that can add up to more than £1,000 spent on workday meals alone. Bringing lunch from home even twice a week could reduce that annual spend significantly.

Spending varies depending on location.

London workers were among the most likely to spend more on lunch compared to other regions.

Are workers eating lunch at their desk?

Despite growing awareness of workplace wellbeing, many employees still skip a proper break.

60% of UK workers eat lunch at their desk rather than taking a proper break.

Only around a quarter choose to eat in communal areas.

Taking a proper break can have a positive impact on:

• productivity
• concentration
• workplace wellbeing

For businesses, encouraging employees to step away from their desk can support healthier working habits and improve workplace productivity.

How hybrid working has changed lunch habits

Hybrid working has reshaped daily routines, including lunch.

When working from home, many employees report:

• snacking more frequently
• having more flexibility over lunch
• taking slightly longer breaks

However, the convenience factor still dominates whether someone is at home or in the office.

Quick meals, leftovers and grab-and-go options remain the most common.

What this means for workplace culture

Lunch habits offer a snapshot of how modern work is changing.

Whether employees bring food from home, grab a supermarket meal deal or stop at a bakery like Greggs, the priority remains the same: quick, convenient meals that fit around busy working days.

As hybrid work continues to reshape routines, workplace lunch habits are likely to keep evolving.

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Frequently asked questions

• What is the most common work lunch in the UK?

The most common work lunch in the UK is a packed lunch brought from home. Our survey of 1,000 office workers found that 42% prepare their lunch themselves rather than buying food during the workday.

• How much do UK workers spend on lunch?

On average, UK workers spend between £15 and £20 per week on lunch. Over the course of a year, this can add up to more than £1,000 spent on workday meal

• Where do UK workers usually buy lunch?

Supermarkets are the most common places to buy lunch. Tesco ranks as the most popular choice, followed by bakery chains like Greggs and food retailers such as Marks & Spencer.

• Do UK workers eat lunch at their desk?

Yes. Around 60% of UK workers say they usually eat lunch at their desk rather than taking a proper break away from their workspace.

• How has hybrid working changed lunch habits?

Hybrid working has made lunch routines more flexible. Many employees report snacking more often, preparing food at home more frequently, and taking slightly longer or more relaxed lunch breaks when working remotely.