The study also revealed that 22% felt they did not have a satisfactory selection of restaurants catering to their specific dietary needs. Respondents in Scotland and Wales showed a lower likelihood of rating local restaurants as inadequate in meeting their dietary requirements.
When reflecting on their most recent restaurant experience, one in eight (12%) participants expressed dissatisfaction with the menu choices available to them. The most prevalent food intolerance was gluten (24%), followed by dairy and shellfish (both 19%).
Mimi Morley, senior recipe development manager at HelloFresh, said: “It’s a shame that in 2024 people still feel like they can’t eat out and enjoy themselves the same as those without intolerances. Though there appears to be a growing number of food preference/intolerance specific restaurants, it’s those that have a broader menu that need to cater to all so that families and friends can enjoy meals together.
“Restaurants need to up their game to be able to suit as many preferences as possible which in turn will benefit both their customers and themselves as a business.”