Workers in the UK are increasing how often they bring packed lunches to work, according to a survey referenced by multiple outlets. The poll found that 46% of UK professionals take a packed lunch more frequently than they did a year ago, suggesting budget pressure as living costs rise.
The Independent and the Evening Standard both cite the same Ocado polling result. While the reports focus on the same figure and the same reason—coping with higher costs—they primarily differ in framing rather than content, with both describing the shift toward more home-packed meals during the workweek.
Overall, the coverage portrays a consistent pattern: a substantial share of working professionals report changing lunch habits over the past year. The sources do not provide additional detail in their excerpts on the specific cost drivers, the types of meals brought, or how the change varies by region, occupation, or income level.
