Singles Opt for Breakfast Dates as Dating Habits Shift

The traditional dinner date may be losing ground to earlier morning meetups, as singles increasingly opt for breakfast or coffee dates. A survey conducted by Kellogg's in Australia revealed that 64% of the country's singles are open to meeting for breakfast on a first date.

Over half of Australian singles surveyed also expressed that dating has become more challenging than in the past. A significant portion, 66%, believe that dating apps have diminished authenticity and made finding genuine connections more difficult. In response to these trends, many are choosing morning encounters over evening cocktails.

Participants in the Kellogg's survey indicated that meeting for a first date in the morning can alleviate pressure, with 31% feeling it reduces expectations. This shift is also influenced by rising dating costs. According to BMO Financial Group's 2026 Real Financial Progress Index, the average cost of a first date reached $252 for millennials and $205 for Gen Z in 2026, marking a notable increase from the previous year.

Dating and relationship coach Nicole Colantoni noted that breakfast dates are "casual, there’s less pressure, and you can actually talk." She added that if chemistry is present, "you’ve got the rest of the day ahead of you."

The early morning format offers practical advantages. If a date does not go well, it provides an easy exit with less investment of time. Conversely, if the connection is promising, the remainder of the day is available to explore it further. The survey found that 23% of respondents appreciated the potential for spontaneous adventures that a morning date could lead to.

The preference for breakfast dates over traditional evening outings can also be attributed to their affordability and lower-pressure environment, potentially signaling a broader shift in modern dating practices.