EVER wondered how much you fork out at restaurants over the course of a year or even a lifetime?
Put your details in this calculator to see how much money you’re spending on dining experiences.
It comes after research found adults will spend more than £62,000 eating out over their lifetime – with steak or a classic roast the ‘go to’ meals.
The study of 2,000 adults found that while many are trying to cut back on their spending habits, people still fork out an average of £84 a month on food away from the home.
But 46 per cent want to save money on eating out, with 64 per cent having to watch the pennies at the moment.
Although 74 per cent feel a meal out with friends or family is money well spent.
Steak (16 per cent), a roast dinner (nine per cent) or a curry (nine per cent) are the most popular meals to tuck into while treating themselves to food when out.
The research was commissioned by Compare the Market, to highlight its 25 per cent off the total bill offer with its Meerkat Meals reward.
Spokesperson, Kristin Sonfield, said: “Food brings us together – but the cost of meals out definitely adds up.
“Our research shows many people view eating out as money well spent thanks to the memories it creates.
“As dining out together is important for so many people, thinking about how you could save money at the same time is a smart idea.”
The study also found the nation is more of a ‘a main and dessert’ fan than ‘a starter and a main’, if just two courses are being enjoyed.
Of those who reckon eating out with loved ones is money well spent, 60 per cent put it down to the memories they are creating.
While 52 per cent consider it a perfect time for bonding, and 41 per cent like to try foods they can’t easily make at home.
And 58 per cent deemed going out for a meal their favourite way to spend quality time with friends and family, ahead of catching up at home (36 per cent) or going for a walk (34 per cent).
With 44 per cent admitting they’d go out for food with their family every day if they could.
Kristin Sonfield added: “Eating out allows everyone to relax, bond, and share stories without the hassle of cooking and cleaning up.
“Meals with family or friends at restaurants provide a change of scenery and a chance to try new cuisines, enhancing both our culinary and cultural experiences.
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“Parents could find restaurants a great place to introduce their children to new food, given the variety of options which cater to different tastes.”
Take the quiz here
TOP WAYS TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
1. Go out for a meal (58 per cent)
2. Catch up at home (36 per cent)
3. Go on a walk (34 per cent)
4. Go on holiday with them (29 per cent)
5. Go for a coffee (26 per cent)
6. Go to the beach (15 per cent)
7. Go shopping (12 per cent)
8. Go to the cinema (10 per cent)
9. Go to the theatre (eight per cent)
10. Do a sport (e.g. run, mini golf or bowling) (seven per cent)
