If you’re an American, you’re probably eating too fast

There’s often some confusion and misconceptions when it comes to dietary habits and norms around the world — just take the common TikTok claim that Europeans don’t drink water as an example. But one difference that’s clear, according to research, is that Americans tend to eat quickly, while many other cultures favor slower meals. Data compiled from over two dozen countries shows that the U.S. is near the bottom when ranked based on daily time spent eating and drinking, with an average of just 62 minutes. Meanwhile, French people, at the top of the list, devote over 130 minutes per day to eating and drinking.

There’s additional research to back this up, including one stat¹ that says the average American finishes a meal within five minutes. Plus, older research² suggests that Americans tend to cook less than people from other countries. It makes sense that the U.S. literally invented fast food and speedy frozen “TV dinners.”

Meals are a source of pleasure in many countries

One could argue that Americans are just too busy to have slow, sit-down meals. After all, some of us have to hustle hard just to cover the cost of healthcare, child care, and other necessities that may be (at least somewhat) covered by the government in places like France. However, there are also major cultural differences at play.

In France, mealtime is viewed first and foremost as a pleasurable and social activity. Food is meant to be savored in multiple courses, and eating is an opportunity to slow down. As Loïc Bienassis, a researcher at the European Institute of Food History and Culture, explained to The Guardian, “In France meals are strongly associated with good company and sharing, which is undoubtedly less so in other countries.” This even extends to snacks and drinks. In fact, many baristas in France may assume a customer is American (or just plain strange) if they order their coffee in a to-go cup, rather than sitting down at a table with a friend for a chat.

Slow meals are also the norm in countries outside of France. For instance, Italy (which followed France in the data with an average of 115 minutes spent eating and drinking per person per day) is known for its social gatherings around food. The Slow Food movement also formed in Italy, which, while not centered around eating slowly per se, focuses on quality and sustainability over convenience. It’s also considered unusual, or even rude, in some places to eat on the go. This is the case in Japan (which ranked fifth out of the 27 countries studied), where some streets with food vendors have banned the act of eating while walking. And even in Sweden, which ranked only a few spots above the U.S., the culture of fika encourages people to take a break from busy workdays to relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

There are some exceptions

Only two of the countries included in the study reported faster eating and drinking habits than the U.S.: Canada and the United Kingdom — two places that, it could be said, are culturally similar to the U.S. However, there are some other surprising stats in the data. While Europeans may generally enjoy slow-paced meals, that isn’t always the case in Spain (where people spend an average of 64 minutes each day eating and drinking) and the Netherlands (where the average is only slightly higher at 66 minutes).

Traditionally, Spaniards have embraced slow eating habits. However, modern life and long commutes can sometimes get in the way. Those who have to travel far to reach Spain’s big cities may not have much time for breakfast, and if their employer doesn’t offer a formal siesta, they may have to rush to eat lunch (which is usually the biggest meal of the day in the country). Dinner typically takes place much later in the evening, but since it tends to involve lighter fare, the act of eating itself may not actually require much time.

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Calvinist beliefs and norms may explain why Dutch people eat faster than some of their European peers. These ideas favor simplicity and practicality over indulgence. As a result, many Dutch people eat basic meals (such as plain cheese sandwiches) on the go or while at their desks and save slower meals for the evening or the weekend.

The benefits of eating slowly

Even if you don’t come from a culture that celebrates slow eating and long meals, there are plenty of reasons to savor your food (and the company you enjoy it with). First, viewing mealtime as a mindful experience can help you truly taste and appreciate your food. You have more time to notice the different flavors and textures, which can make even a sandwich or frozen pizza feel luxurious and special.

There’s also evidence³ that eating fast can lead to overconsumption. It takes time for your stomach to tell your brain that it’s full and no longer needs food. So, if you finish a full meal before that signal is sent, you may end up overeating, which can lead to weight gain over time. Though gaining weight isn’t always “bad” or unhealthy, obesity is linked to numerous health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.⁴

Another problem you may notice if you habitually eat fast is bloating and stomach pain. These symptoms can result from swallowing too much air — which commonly happens among those who eat quickly.⁵ If you’re always belching or regularly have an upset stomach, try slowing down your meals.
Finally, sharing meals with others can be an antidote to loneliness. Dinner or even your lunch break at work can turn into an opportunity for quality time, where you can connect over food. Even if it’s just one meal each day or even each week, try making shared meals a ritual, the way people do in France and other countries around the world.

The French are known to drag out meals — and you probably should too

Meals are a source of pleasure in many countries

There are some exceptions

The benefits of eating slowly