Fast food makes up 1 in 4 food outlets across England

NDNS data showed that 23% of UK adults buy food from fast-food or takeaway outlets weekly.

Fast food outlets continue to make up one in four places to buy food in England, rising to more than one in three in the most deprived areas, according to the Food Foundation’s The Broken Plate 2026 report.

In June 2025, fast-food outlets accounted for 25% of food outlets in England, representing only a small decline of 0.5 percentage points from the previous year.

The report noted that the limited change suggests little improvement in the overall food environment.

The divide between communities remains significant.

In the least deprived local authorities, fast-food outlets account for 18% of food outlets, compared with 33% in the most deprived areas—a gap that has widened compared with the previous year.

Consumer behaviour reflects the continued role of convenience food. Data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) found that 23% of UK adults reported buying food from fast-food or takeaway outlets weekly.

Despite rising prices, eating out remains embedded in UK lifestyles.

Mintel’s UK Eating Out Review 2026 found that the foodservice market remains resilient, with consumers continuing to visit restaurants and order takeaway even as inflation and higher menu prices affect spending decisions.

The report highlighted that value, convenience, and flexible formats are becoming increasingly important as consumers look for affordable eating-out options.

For younger consumers, food outlets are also taking on a broader social role. Research suggests cafés, restaurants, and fast-food venues are increasingly used as informal gathering spaces, particularly as traditional youth and community spaces have declined since 2010.