Evolving Dining Trends: The Decline of the Doggie Bag
In a world where convenience and experience drive consumer behavior, the traditional doggie bag is becoming a relic of the past. People love eating out, but the days of taking home oversized portions from restaurants are fading away. The Food Institute reports that leftovers are increasingly being left behind on the table, rather than being packaged up for later consumption.
Several factors are contributing to this shift in dining behavior. Darin Detwiler, a professor at Northeastern University, points to evolving social perceptions, the rise of food delivery culture, portion fatigue, and menu design as key influencers. Diners may feel full, unsatisfied, or disinterested in reheating leftovers, leading to an increase in food waste as a result of overabundance rather than necessity.
According to ReFED, the average American left 53 pounds of food worth $329 on restaurant plates in 2023. This trend is particularly noticeable in cities like New York, where the ease of ordering fresh meals online and having them delivered has made leftovers less appealing. Dana Gunders, president of ReFED, notes that some diners simply choose not to take leftovers home as a matter of principle.
New York restaurateur Emmet Burke observes that younger patrons, especially those out on a date, are more likely to leave food behind. This generational shift in dining habits reflects a focus on the experience of dining rather than simply consuming a plate of food. Brand strategist Reilly Newman explains that for many younger diners, enjoying a few bites of a meal is enough to complete their dining experience, eliminating the need to finish every bite.
However, it’s not just changing attitudes towards dining that are contributing to the decline of the doggie bag. Izzy Kharasch, president of Hospitality Works, believes that some diners feel uncomfortable taking food home due to the process involved. Restaurants often require guests to pack their leftovers themselves, leading to spills and a lack of dignity in the process. Kharasch emphasizes the importance of servers offering to package leftovers for guests, a gesture that is always well-received.
The social factor also plays a significant role in the decline of the doggie bag. Detwiler highlights the concept of social signaling, noting that in certain dining contexts, asking for a doggie bag may be perceived as undesirable or embarrassing. There is a stigma associated with appearing frugal, even during times of economic uncertainty, which influences diners’ decisions to leave food behind.
The decline of the doggie bag reflects deeper tensions between sustainability, identity, and modern dining culture. As diners prioritize experiences over excess consumption, the traditional practice of taking leftovers home is fading away. This shift in behavior is reshaping the way people interact with food and restaurants, emphasizing quality over quantity in the dining experience.
In conclusion, the evolution of social perceptions, changing dining habits, and the rise of food delivery culture are all contributing to the decline of the doggie bag. As consumers prioritize experiences and sustainability, the traditional practice of taking leftovers home is becoming less common. Restaurants and diners alike are adapting to these shifting trends, creating a new era of dining where quality and experience take precedence over quantity.
