54% of working Americans are forced to skip lunch: the reasons

According to ezCater's annual Lunch Report, in 2026 54% of full-time working Americans skipped lunch at least once a week — up from 48% in 2023. 81% of respondents linked the change in eating habits to inflation, and 31% to a demanding schedule.

American workers are increasingly giving up their lunch break. According to the annual Lunch Report conducted by ezCater, in 2026 54% of full-time employees skipped lunch at least once a week. The survey covered 1,000 workers, with a statistical margin of error of 3%. ezCater vice president Robert Caskel told CNBC that the share of those skipping lunch has grown for four consecutive years: in 2023, when the survey was first conducted, it was 48%. 81% of respondents said inflation had forced them to change their eating habits at work. Employees go to cafes and restaurants less often, make more use of discounts and loyalty programs, cook at home and bring food with them. According to a forecast by the US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, in 2026 prices for food away from home will rise by 3.5%, and for food for home consumption by 2.4%. Average weekly spending on work lunches came to $100.23 — 8% less than in 2025. Money is not the only reason: 31% of participants said a demanding schedule keeps them from leaving their workplace. New York University clinical psychologist Samantha Buchman linked this to the pressure of constant availability. Gen Z and millennials experience pressure from managers twice as often as older colleagues.