Solo Meals Have Become More Frequent for Younger Adults
While many view eating alone as relaxing, younger adults often neglect fiber in these meals.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Nutrition
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New research shows that Gen Z and millennial diners in the United States are eating meals alone more frequently than they were three years ago. Although many respondents find these solo meals relaxing or comforting, they often struggle to meet nutritional needs, particularly concerning daily fiber intake.
Why it matters
As solo dining becomes an established part of daily life, many younger adults are missing out on essential nutrients like fiber because they feel too tired or overwhelmed to cook. This shift highlights a widening gap between understanding fiber's importance and actually prioritizing it in single-serving meals.
A consumer survey of Gen Z and millennials in the U.S. and U.K. found that while 66% of respondents know fiber is important, only 23% prioritize it during solo meals. Notably, 52% of U.S. respondents believe they are not consuming enough of the 28 grams of daily fiber recommended by the FDA.
The players
Mars
A global food manufacturer that develops nutrition criteria to guide the creation of health-focused product offerings.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The federal agency responsible for setting national dietary guidelines, including the 28-gram daily fiber recommendation.
The details
Eating alone is frequently motivated by a desire for self-care or relaxation, yet the logistical challenge of cooking for one often leads to simplified, nutrient-poor meal choices. Many solo diners report feeling too overwhelmed to manage complex food preparation, which often results in the omission of fiber-rich whole foods. Mars is currently using these consumer insights to develop new products designed to bridge this nutritional gap in solo-friendly formats.
Timeline
2015: Mars introduced the Food & Nutrition Criteria.
2021: Baseline year for measuring global fiber increases.
Three years ago: Prior period for measuring the increase in solo meal frequency.
September 2026: The research findings were released.
Health Landscape
The trend toward solo dining reflects a broader shift in lifestyle that challenges traditional approaches to meal planning and nutrient intake. This development follows the historical arc of the food industry, which is now increasingly focusing on addressing micronutrient and fiber gaps in convenience-based, single-portion products.
If you frequently eat alone, it is worth tracking your daily fiber intake to see if you are meeting the 28-gram FDA recommendation. Discuss with your doctor whether your current meal habits provide enough plant-based nutrients or if simple, fiber-rich additions to your solo meals are necessary.
The takeaway
Solo dining is now a common, relaxing habit, but it can make it harder to maintain a fiber-rich diet. To improve your intake, try keeping simple, fiber-dense staples like canned beans, lentils, or frozen vegetables on hand for easy additions to your individual meals.
Further reading
For more information on balancing daily dietary needs, explore our Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRNJ Radio.
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