More than half of Americans now eat in their cars at least once a week, with the average person doing so approximately three times weekly, according to a recent survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the bakery St. Pierre. The study, which polled 2,000 adults, suggests that busy schedules and a desire for personal space contribute significantly to this habit.
Among the surveyed respondents, 53% reported eating in their car weekly. Common reasons cited for this behavior include a lack of time (38%), convenience (35%), a desire for peace and quiet (32%), and the opportunity to eat alone (26%). Despite these figures, a majority of people (53%) still prefer eating meals at a table at home, while 34% expressed enjoyment in eating in their car. Lunch is the most frequently consumed meal in vehicles.
Psychologist Geri-Lynn Utter commented on the trend, suggesting that the car has evolved into a "psychological refuge." She noted that in a world filled with constant demands from work, caregiving, and technology, the car offers a rare space for individuals to decompress and have private time.
Generational Differences in Car Dining
The survey revealed distinct generational patterns in car-eating habits. Gen Z adults, born after 1996, reported eating an average of 3.83 meals in their cars per week. Their preferred car foods include pizza (20%), sandwiches/wraps (19%), burgers, and fruit (17%). Notably, 26% of Gen Z individuals stated that eating in the car is the only time they get to enjoy their food.
Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, averaged 3.22 car meals per week, with sandwiches/wraps (26%), burgers (25%), and pizza (21%) being their top choices. Fifty percent of this group indicated they enjoy eating in their car.
Gen X individuals, born between 1965 and 1980, averaged 1.88 car meals weekly, favoring sandwiches/wraps (27%), burgers (26%), and pizza, fruit, and chocolate (11%).
Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, averaged 0.84 meals in the car per week, most commonly eating burgers (29%), sandwiches/wraps (24%), and fruit (10%). A significant portion of Boomers (44%) prefer foods that can be eaten with one hand.
The Silent Generation, born between 1928 and 1945, averaged 0.63 car meals per week. Their most frequent choices were burgers, sandwiches/wraps (26%), fruit, nuts, seeds, and pastries (13%), and ice cream (9%).
Utter described the car as a "modern break room" where food serves as a reward and solitude as a luxury. She pointed out that even food influencers often choose to eat in their cars, highlighting the car's perceived privacy, authenticity, and freedom from social expectations. This private mealtime, she suggested, provides a few minutes free from professional or personal obligations, allowing the meal to become a personal experience.
Ultimately, Utter posited that the trend reflects more on Americans' relationship with time, stress, and the need for recovery rather than a preference for car dining over traditional settings. She concluded that the prevalence of eating alone in cars indicates how stretched thin many people have become due to demanding schedules, long commutes, caregiving duties, and work-life boundary blurring.