After nearly a decade of year-over-year declines, the number of meals Americans prepared at home in 2000 inched upward for the first time since 1991/1992, the last recession, according to NPD Group's 16th Annual Report on Eating Patterns in America. The report includes information on every aspect of U.S. eating habits ¿ from snacking trends to appliance ownership.
After showing annual declines of 1 to 2 percent, the home-cooked meal moved into positive territory in 2000, showing a modest 0.1 percent gain. Meanwhile, the number of annual meals eaten in a restaurant per person dropped from 66 in 1999 to 64 in 2000. Likewise, Americans ordered fewer take out meals in 2000, down from 73 meals per person in 1999 to 70. Among the reasons for the decline in restaurant take-outs: Nearly every food manufacturer now offers an easy meal product that is generally less costly.