Tesco, Greggs or Pret? The nation’s favourite work lunches, where we eat it and the £££ is revealed in a new survey

We all love a lunch break at work, but what does the UK’s favourite lunch look like, and how does a nutritionist rate it?

Moneypenny conducted a study of 1,000 UK office workers, asking them all about their work lunch.

The top three lunches are:

1. Packed lunch

2. Leftovers

3. Meal deal

The survey revealed that nearly half (42%) of the nation’s go to work lunch is a packed lunch, with the majority of workers taking food from home being aged over 55 (53%).

However, a fifth of UK workers said they prefer eating a meal deal than any other lunch, with male workers (28%) and Gen Z (34%) being more likely to buy one. Spending totals up to an average of £15 to £20 a week, after the survey showed a quarter of respondents saying so.

The survey also revealed which shop is the most popular choice for UK workers.

Tesco was found to be the UK’s favourite place to pick up lunch after a third told Moneypenny they were opting for the British supermarket the most.

Sausage rolls and steak bakes were popular too, after the survey results placed Greggs in second place. 30% said their lunch comes from the bakery, and is the most popular with workers over 55, with a third saying so.

Others included with 22% and Sainsbury’s with 21%.

18% said going to a local delicatessen is where they prefer to shop for a work lunch, as well as Costa Coffee (17%), Asda (16%) and Pret A Manger (16%).

Starbucks ranked highly with Gen Z  after the survey showed the majority (41%) said they buy their lunch there – more than any other age group.

Moneypenny also asked people about their treat lunches, and if healthy eating is a priority.

Just over a third (32%) said they never have a treat for lunch, but 4% said they start their week with a treat lunch on Monday.

However, results revealed that older generations are the least likely to indulge in a treat lunch, with 44% saying so.

Moneypenny’s survey also found other key factors that reveal how the UK’s has their lunch:

• 32% said their appetite increased when working from home

• 60% said they tend to eat their lunch at their desk

• 36% eat in their living room and 28% prefer eat in their kitchen or dining room

• Just under half (47%) said they opt for a healthier option three days a week

• A quarter said they are somewhat more productive after lunch

• A third of UK workers said that healthier food will make them more productive

You can find the nutritionist’s breakdown of what makes for a healthy and productive lunch to eat in Moneypenny’s full report – as well as how to make the most of your lunch break.

Ceri Henfrey, Chief Operating Officer at Moneypenny said: “Looking after our brains whilst at work is more than just taking a quick break from looking at screens.

“Putting the right things into our bodies that promote relaxation and also productivity is so important to having a good day at work.

“We hope that the nutritionist’s advice and our findings will prompt a discussion into the UK taking better care of themselves during their lunch break.”