Household share of food consumed away from home of total food consumption (% kcals)

The household food consumed away from home as a share of total consumption indicator provides a glimpse into household and population dietary quality and can highlight dietary trends over time and across countries. Food prepared or purchased outside of the home is becoming an increasingly important component of the diet in many countries, especially in urban areas (Smith et al 2007 [1]). The quality of foods purchased or consumed outside of the home can vary significantly from food consumed in the home. Foods consumed outside of the home are more likely to be processed and higher in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats ( Vandevijvere et al 2013 [2]), and studies have found that consuming food away from home is associated with higher energy and fat intake and lower micronutrient intake (Lachat et al 2012 [3]).