Americans Have Stopped Cooking

Americans now spend more money eating out than they do buying groceries.

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, food-away-from-home spending reached 58.9% of total food spending in 2024, a historic high. That means consumers spent about $1.52 trillion at restaurants, fast-food outlets, and other food service businesses.

The shift has been building for decades. Americans are cooking less at home because of longer workdays, busy family schedules, commutes, fast food, and delivery apps.

The cost adds up quickly. One analysis estimated the average home-cooked meal costs about $4.23 per person, compared with $16.28 at an inexpensive restaurant. Skipping just one restaurant meal per week can save hundreds of dollars a year.

There is a health cost, too. Restaurant and fast-food meals often contain more calories, sodium, and fat than home-cooked meals.

But perhaps the biggest loss is around the table. Families who eat together regularly tend to have healthier diets and stronger relationships.

Cooking at home does not need to be fancy. Even one or two simple meals a week can save money, improve health, and bring people back together.