To assess frequency and correlates of meal-kit use across five countries using population-level data.

Online surveys conducted in 2022 assessed past week meal-kit use. Binary logistic regression models examined sociodemographic and nutrition-related correlates of meal-kit use, including self-reported home meal preparation and cooking skills, commercially prepared meal consumption, and healthy eating, weight change, and sustainability efforts.

Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, United States (US), and Mexico.

20,401 adults aged 18-100 years.

Overall, 14% of participants reported using meal-kits in the past week. Use was highest in the US (18%) and lowest in Canada (9%). Meal-kit use was greater among individuals who were younger, male, minority ethnicity, had high educational attainment, higher income adequacy, or children living in the household (p<0.01 for all). Use was greater for those who participated in any food shopping (vs. none), those who prepared food sometimes (3-4 days/week or less vs. never), and those who reported ‘fair’ or better cooking skills (vs. poor; p<0.05 for all). Consuming any ‘ready-to-eat’ food (vs. none) and visiting restaurants more recently (vs >6 months ago; p<0.001 for all) was associated with greater meal-kit use. Eating fruits/vegetables more than 2-times/day and engaging in diet modification efforts were also associated with increased meal-kit use, as was engaging in weight change or sustainability efforts (p<0.001 for all).

Meal-kits tend to be used by individuals who make efforts to support their health and sustainability, potentially valuing ‘convenient’ alternatives to traditional home meal preparation; however, use is concentrated amongst those with higher income adequacy.