Dining-out frequency over the past year: 62% eat out at least once a month; food spending as a percentage of household income continues to rise slightly since 2022
Cross Marketing Inc. conducted a 'Food Survey (2026)' targeting 3,000 men and women aged 20-69 nationwide. The frequency of dining out remains stable at 62% for at least once a month since 2024, while the share of household income spent on food (Engel coefficient) has been trending upward since 2022.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 01:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 16:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 21, 2026 at 16:45 (13 min after Collected)
## Overview of Food Survey (2026)
Cross Marketing Inc. conducted a 'Food Survey (2026)' among 3,000 men and women aged 20–69 residing in Japan's 47 prefectures. This edition focused on 'Dining-out and Food Awareness Behaviors,' analyzing dining-out realities, the percentage of household budget spent on food, and purchasing behaviors during price hikes.
### Key Findings
- **Dining-out Reality**: Dining-out frequency over the last year shows that 32% dine out 'at least once a week' and 62% 'at least once a month,' with no significant changes from 2024.
- **Household Budget and Food Expenses**: The Engel coefficient for fiscal 2025 increased from the previous year, reaching a high level of 28.8%. Among respondents aware of their food budget ratio, a trend of increasing food spending since 2022 was confirmed.
- **Response to Price Hikes**: The most impact-felt items regarding price hikes include 'rice' (60%), 'eggs' (42%), and 'vegetables' (37%). Regarding purchasing behavior during price hikes, 34% say they 'often switch to cheaper products in the same category.' However, among those in their 60s, 43% say they 'often continue buying the products I always buy even if the price rises.'
- **Trend Foods**: Regarding trend foods, items like Acai bowls and oats/oatmeal have reached a 40% recognition level.
Cross Marketing Inc. conducted a 'Food Survey (2026)' among 3,000 men and women aged 20–69 residing in Japan's 47 prefectures. This edition focused on 'Dining-out and Food Awareness Behaviors,' analyzing dining-out realities, the percentage of household budget spent on food, and purchasing behaviors during price hikes.
### Key Findings
- **Dining-out Reality**: Dining-out frequency over the last year shows that 32% dine out 'at least once a week' and 62% 'at least once a month,' with no significant changes from 2024.
- **Household Budget and Food Expenses**: The Engel coefficient for fiscal 2025 increased from the previous year, reaching a high level of 28.8%. Among respondents aware of their food budget ratio, a trend of increasing food spending since 2022 was confirmed.
- **Response to Price Hikes**: The most impact-felt items regarding price hikes include 'rice' (60%), 'eggs' (42%), and 'vegetables' (37%). Regarding purchasing behavior during price hikes, 34% say they 'often switch to cheaper products in the same category.' However, among those in their 60s, 43% say they 'often continue buying the products I always buy even if the price rises.'
- **Trend Foods**: Regarding trend foods, items like Acai bowls and oats/oatmeal have reached a 40% recognition level.
FAQ
Who is the target audience for this survey?
The survey covers 3,000 men and women aged 20 to 69 living in all 47 prefectures of Japan.
What is the survey methodology?
It was conducted via internet research.
What is the status of the Engel coefficient?
The Engel coefficient for households with two or more persons in fiscal 2025 was 28.8%, maintaining a high level and showing an upward trend since 2022.