Meal delivery and public health nutrition: a comparison study in three international cities

Abstract

Abstract Background The food environment has been recognized as a dominant driver of public health nutrition. Although planning mechanisms are increasingly being triggered to help control the proliferation of fast food outlets, the recent upsurge in meal delivery options has reshaped the food environment. Currently, we lack insight in the breath of meal delivery options. Therefore, this study sought to examine between-city differences and within-city socio-economic differences in the number of online meal delivery options and meal types. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in three international cities. Across 10 sampled addresses in Chicago (USA), Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Melbourne (Australia), meal delivery options provided by a major international meal delivery company were sampled. Bonferroni adjusted Chi2-tests were conducted to assess between-city - and within-city socio-economic differences. Results Across the 10 sampled addresses in each city, there were 1668 delivery options in Chicago, 1496 in Amsterdam and 1159 in Melbourne. In total, 10220 keywords (representing 148 different meal types) were recorded across all delivery options. In Amsterdam and Melbourne, a greater number of options was available for the addresses in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods. Among all cities, sandwiches (14.6%), burgers (14.4%), and pizza (13.4%) were most commonly advertised. In contrast, salads (7.8%) and 'healthy' options (5.5.%) were less frequent offered for delivery. Conclusions Meals available for delivery did not favor a healthy diet, and healthy options were less often advertised then unhealthier ones. Currently, meal delivery platforms appear to operate in a largely unregulated environment continued growth is likely in the near future. It is vital that public health professionals and policy makers become aware of this online component of the food environment and its potential consequences for public health nutrition. Key messages Most commonly advertised meals for delivery do not favor a healthy diet, and healthy options were less often advertised then unhealthier ones. It is vital that public health professionals and policy makers become aware of the online component of the food environment and its potential consequences for public health nutrition.