The Nutritional Characteristics of Usual Lunches Consumed Among Japanese Workers

Abstract

Objective This study investigated whether the nutritional characteristics of lunches consumed by Japanese workers differ by where the meal is usually prepared or eaten. Methods This cross-sectional study included 620 employees (aged 20 to 75 years) from eight business offices in Tokyo, Japan. Dietary data were collected using the validated Meal-based Diet History Questionnaire. The Healthy Eating Index 2015 and dietary intakes from lunch were compared between workers classified by usual lunch type: homemade (n = 190), staff canteen (n = 77), restaurant (n = 109), and takeaway (n = 244). Results Healthy Eating Index 2015 for lunch was highest in the staff canteen group, followed by the homemade group. The staff canteen group had higher intakes of total vegetables, potatoes, fish, and several vitamins from lunch than the restaurant or takeaway groups. Conclusions Homemade and canteen lunches are relatively healthy options for lunch for Japanese workers.