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Superdrug

One Poll

23 September 2010

LUNCH BREAKS
The average British worker shells out an incredible #2,000 a year - on their lunch, new research revealed yesterday (Wed).
Despite the recession, a third of Brits still spend around #4 a day - or #986.40 a year - on sandwiches, salads, baguettes and soup.
On top of that they will also shell out #1.33 a day on snacks between meals, adding up to #6.65 a week or #319.20 a year.
The study, carried out by Superdrug, also found one in three workers buy food on a daily basis rather than take a packed lunch.
And one in 20 even pushes the boat out by heading to a cafe or restaurant during their lunch hour.
More than one in ten even buys their breakfast every day, adding another #14.05 a week or #674.40 to the total.
A spokesman for Superdrug, which conducted the research to launch a new range of sandwiches, said: ''It is understandable that Brits want a nice lunch to look forward to when they have been working hard all morning.
''But #2,000 a year on lunches across one year is a massive spend - especially when there are cheaper options out there.
''Workers should look for special offers or meal deals which mean you can save some money while still getting to enjoy something different from the standard packed lunch.
''Switching to a sandwich which costs just #1 but still delivers on flavour means customers can save themselves hundreds of pounds every year.''
The study of 3,000 workers also revealed 38 per cent buy their lunch because they don't have time to prepare something before they leave the house.
And another 36 per cent admit they are simply too lazy to make something at home.
But 29 per cent like to get away from their desk and 17 per cent hate having soggy sandwiches which were prepared hours earlier.
Sandwiches are still the nation's favourite choice, with more than two thirds going for the lunchtime classic.
A healthy salad came second, followed by a baguette, soup with bread and fruit.
Almost 14 per cent have leftovers from the previous night's meal while one in ten even live off ready meals during the working day.
For some health-conscious Brits, eating out at lunchtime allows them to go for nutritious food, with 67 per cent saying they always think about is the best for their diet.
And more than 45 per cent always check the fat and calories in the items they are buying.
Top ten lunches
1.     Sandwich
2.     Salad
3.     Baguette
4.     Soup and bread
5.     Fruit
6.     Pasta
7.     Last night's leftovers
8.     Jacket potato
9.     Ready meal
10.  Bowl of cereal
Research conducted by global market research company www.onepoll.com