The United States, once considered the spiritual home of the doggie bag, is witnessing a decline in the practice of taking leftovers home. Once a staple of American dining culture, doggie bags are becoming less common, with several factors contributing to this trend. On average, Americans leave approximately 24 kilograms of food on their plates annually, resulting in an estimated $329 (£254) per person in food waste each year. Meanwhile, other countries like France are actively encouraging the use of doggie bags to combat waste.
Despite the historical popularity of doggie bags in the US, where portion sizes are traditionally larger, the practice has never truly caught on in the UK. In France, efforts are being made to promote doggie bags as a means to reduce food waste. However, one cultural obstacle remains: many diners experience a sense of shame when asking waitstaff to pack up their leftovers.
The notion of taking food home often conjures images of cold meals in polystyrene trays, which lacks the appeal of dining in a restaurant. Additionally, the introduction and popularity of food-ordering services may be contributing to the decline in doggie bag usage. The convenience of ordering fresh meals at home reduces the need to save leftovers for later consumption.
Some suggest that this shift away from doggie bags is generational. Younger diners appear less inclined to consume day-old food compared to previous generations. The expectation that restaurants in the US will provide large portions suitable for taking home is also diminishing. Instead, large portions are often associated with television shows like "Man v Food," where excessive eating is celebrated rather than practical leftovers.