HYBRID WORK FUELS A NEW GENERATIONAL DIVIDE IN AUSTRALIA'S EATING HABITS

MyFitnessPal

• More than half (53%) of Australians reported cooking at home more often and eating balanced meals while working from home, however, three in ten (30%) Gen Z Australians reported choosing meal delivery services more frequently for their work from home meals, according to new research from global food and nutrition tracking app, MyFitnessPal.

• The findings also reveal that 34% of Aussies surveyed more frequently eat snack foods when working remotely, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing convenience and overall nutrition.

• While hybrid work offers greater flexibility, Australians can maintain structure and make more mindful food choices by tracking their eating habits and understanding how small, consistent changes can improve wellbeing over time.

Sydney, Australia, 13 November 2025 – With hybrid work now the new normal for most office workplaces, new research from nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal, reveals how flexible work arrangements are transforming Australia’s eating and cooking habits. 

According to the findings, while over half (53%) of Aussies surveyed are cooking more at home and consuming  more balanced meals as a result, younger generations are more likely to rely on convenience and delivery options while working remotely. 

The data shows how Gen Z are the most likely to choose comfort, with three in 10 (30%) saying they rely on meal delivery services when working from home, more than double the rate of millennials (13%), and their Boomer (7%) and Gen X (6%) counterparts. Almost four in ten (39%) of Millennials and Gen Z (38%) report eating more snack foods while working from home, compared to just over a third (34%) of Australians surveyed across all age groups. 

Nutritionist and MyFitnessPal ambassador Michaela Sparrow says: “Working from home is allowing Australians more freedom than ever before and while it’s encouraging that many are harnessing the increased flexibility to cook and eat more balanced, blurred lines between work and office spaces can often also mean reaching for more comfort food," 

“Between back-to-back meetings, tight deadlines and the kitchen being just steps away, it’s no surprise many Aussies are choosing practical and convenient meal options, over more nutritious alternatives, " added Michaela. 

Beyond meal delivery and snacking, the findings show that for the majority of young workers, working remotely doesn’t equate to cooking. Over one in six (18%) of Gen Z respondents report ordering fast food more frequently and an additional 14% have eaten  cafe or coffee shop meals more frequently when working from home, the highest number in comparison to other demographics.  

When it comes to convenience, the research also reveals a diverse range of preferences across age groups, suggesting generations are adapting their nutrition and diets to the realities of hybrid work in a variety of ways. While working from home, Millennials are the most likely to seek quick but nutritious options, with 26% respondents more frequently eating pre-made salads or wraps, while Gen X overall have the highest preference for frozen meals with (16%) reporting they more frequently eat frozen meals when working from home, reflecting a more structured and traditional approach to ready-made meals. 

As hybrid work shows no sign of stopping, MyFitnessPal is encouraging Australians to take advantage of this flexibility to build more balance into their day, harnessing simple tools and nutrition tracking to form lasting, healthy habits that can be leveraged at home and in the office.

“Between demanding work days and busy schedules, it’s easy to reach for convenience and snacks, without realising how much it adds up over the week. Ultimately, the goal shouldn’t be about perfection, but awareness. Tracking your nutrition through apps like MyFitnessPal can help you bring structure back to your day, understanding how different foods make you feel and where small swaps can make a big difference,” says Michaela. 

“Whether you’re trying to cut back on takeaways, manage portions while working from home or in the office or simply understand macros, having more visibility over your food choices can help make it easier to build consistent, healthier habits and help you make better choices over time.” added Michaela. 

To discover the latest features and learn more about your macro intake, visit: www.myfitnesspal.com or download the MyFitnessPal  app for free via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

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About MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app founded in 2005 with a mission to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation, and a sense of progress. Supporting nearly 1 million people in reaching their nutrition and fitness goals every year and with a community of over 280 million members in over 120 countries, MyFitnessPal offers members one of the world’s most comprehensive nutrition and food tracking platforms, allowing them to track their food, create personalized and goal-driven meal plans, record exercise activity, and log their weight. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 20 million foods, access to over 2,000 recipes, and over 35 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides members with the tools for positive healthy change.

For more information about MyFitnessPal, contact: [email protected]