Aussies plans cut backs on takeaway meals, drinks in 2025

Younger Australians seem to be cutting back more than their older counterparts.

Three in four Australians are planning to cut back this year with takeaway meals the first to face the chopping block for many, new research by Compare the Market revealed.

Citing the results of their survey of 1,006 Australian adults in October 2024, the report revealed the top five priorities for cutbacks this year are takeaway meals (24.3%), clothes (9.2%), holidays and travels (7.2%), streaming services (5.5%), and takeaway drinks/coffee (5.5%).

The data also revealed that the younger generations were more likely to stop spending on takeaway meals in an attempt to save money than their older counterparts. 34.2% of millennials said they would spend less this year compared to Baby Boomers at 14.4%.

Chris Ford, GM Media & Communications at Compare the Market said it wasn’t surprising to see many Australians choosing to cut back on takeaway meals in 2025 as a lot make it a habit to vow to live a healthier lifestyle in the New Year.

“What was surprising was the discrepancies between the different generations. More than two times the number of Millennials or Gen Z say they’ll cut back on takeaway meals compared to Baby Boomers,” Ford said.

This could be because the younger generations traditionally spend more on eating out and are conscious that this is chewing into their savings, Ford added.

“Similarly, if you’re looking to feed a family or treat yourself during the work week, takeaway meals don’t always come cheap. Depending on what you get and whether you’re purchasing through a food delivery app, it doesn’t take long for the costs to add up. It makes sense that Australians would choose to save by ditching a sneaky burger or pizza over other expenses,” Ford said.