Associations between online food outlet access and online food delivery service use amongst adults in the UK: a cross-sectional analysis of linked data

Abstract

Background Online food delivery services facilitate ‘online’ access to food outlets that typically sell energy-dense nutrient-poor food. Greater online food outlet access might be related to the use of this purchasing format and living with excess bodyweight, however, this is not known. We aimed to investigate the association between aspects of online food outlet access and online food delivery service use, and differences according to customer sociodemographic characteristics, as well as the association between the number of food outlets accessible online and bodyweight. Methods In 2019, we used an automated data collection method to collect data on all food outlets in the UK registered with the leading online food delivery service Just Eat (n = 33,204). We linked this with contemporaneous data on food purchasing, bodyweight, and sociodemographic information collected through the International Food Policy Study (analytic sample n = 3067). We used adjusted binomial logistic, linear, and multinomial logistic regression models to examine associations. Results Adults in the UK had online access to a median of 85 food outlets (IQR: 34–181) and 85 unique types of cuisine (IQR: 64–108), and 15.1% reported online food delivery service use in the previous week. Those with the greatest number of accessible food outlets (quarter four, 182–879) had 71% greater odds of online food delivery service use (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.68) compared to those with the least (quarter one, 0–34). This pattern was evident amongst adults with a university degree (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.85), adults aged between 18 and 29 years (OR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.59, 6.72), those living with children (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.01; 3.75), and females at each level of increased exposure. We found no association between the number of unique types of cuisine accessible online and online food delivery service use, or between the number of food outlets accessible online and bodyweight. Conclusions The number of food outlets accessible online is positively associated with online food delivery service use. Adults with the highest education, younger adults, those living with children, and females, were particularly susceptible to the greatest online food outlet access. Further research is required to investigate the possible health implications of online food delivery service use.

Investigating experiences of frequent online food delivery service use: a qualitative study in UK adults

“…For example, participants told us that one particularly valuable aspect of using online food delivery services was the ability to access a greater number of food outlets compared with other purchasing formats. This finding speaks to our previous research that found a positive association between having the highest number of food outlets accessible online and any use of online food delivery services in the previous week amongst adults living in the UK [ 17 ]. The experiences of using online food delivery services reported in the current study support the possibility that having more food outlet choice contributes to the decision to adopt, and maintain, use of these services rather than necessarily increasing the frequency in which they are used.…”

“…In 2019, the number of food outlets accessible through the leading online food delivery service in the UK ( Just Eat ) was 50% greater in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived areas [ 16 ]. Furthermore, adults living in the UK with the highest number of food outlets accessible online had greater odds of any online delivery service use in the previous week compared to those with the lowest number [ 17 ]. To our knowledge, however, attitudinal dimensions of online food delivery service use have not been investigated in the public health literature.…”

Food and Beverage Consumption Habits through the Perception of Health Belief Model (Grab Food or Go Food) in Surabaya and Pasuruan

“…The KNEKS survey also showed that 27% of Indonesians consume fast food every day and 22% consume it three to four times per week [ 7 ]. Consumption of foods that are high in carbohydrates and fats continuously without control can lead to weight gain [ 8 ]. If it is not balanced with physical activity, it can be obesity which will trigger the emergence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and others.…”

Associations between area deprivation and changes in the digital food environment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Longitudinal analysis of three online food delivery platforms

“…Although the digital sphere is becoming a more important element of the food environment, it is not often formerly recognised in current conceptualisations ( Granheim et al, 2021 ), and is also understudied as a driver of food-related consumer behaviour and whether its use is associated with health outcomes. The few studies that have been conducted have demonstrated that access to such services is associated with the use of these services ( Keeble et al, 2021b ). Qualitative evidence suggests that online takeaway delivery service users appreciate the services' convenience in obtaining takeaway food, view them as normal part of living in a digital society, and use them less for ordering healthy meals, but rather for ‘cheats’ or ‘treats’ ( Keeble et al, 2022 ).…”