Food delivery app promotions encourage unhealthy eating

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 19:15 · Archive

A study of over 100 Australians found food delivery app promotions encourage unhealthy food choices over nutrition.

A national study led by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute surveyed more than 100 Australians about their use of food delivery apps such as Uber Eats and DoorDash. Researchers found that promotional offers encouraged users to order unhealthy foods, with people prioritising deals over nutrition.

Study lead author Jess Morrison said participants associated the apps with 'treat' foods and did not pay much attention to nutrition information. Convenience also drove app use, with people ordering after long work days or when they had forgotten to buy groceries. Promotional deals like free delivery, 20 per cent off or buy one get one free often tipped users towards ordering rather than cooking at home.

Morrison said the apps were 'designed to bombard you with promotions'. Many participants reported that offers helped justify the cost and reduced the guilt of choosing less healthy foods. The findings have prompted calls for government intervention, with Morrison advocating for measures such as restricting promotions on unhealthy foods and ensuring online platforms are covered by kilojoule labelling regulations.

How it is being reported

• Food app promotions delivering more unhealthy choicesFood delivery apps are pushing Australians to eat more unhealthy foods, researchers say, with people prioritising getting a good deal over nutrition.The West Australian · 28 Oct, 19:03
• Food app promotions delivering more unhealthy choicesFood delivery apps are pushing Australians to eat more unhealthy foods, researchers say, with people prioritising getting a good deal over nutrition.Perth Now · 28 Oct, 19:02

In this story: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute · Jess Morrison · Uber Eats · DoorDash · Australia

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