87% of people in the US eat in their cars. Here are the 10 states where mealtimes happen behind the wheel the most
87% of people in the US eat in their cars. Here are the 10 states where mealtimes happen behind the wheel the most
The majority of Americans eat meals in their car multiple times a week — despite the risk of stained seats and greasy steering wheels.
A poll of 2,000 American adults conducted by bakery brand St Pierre from June 5-15 found that 87% of respondents eat in their car, with Georgians eating the highest percentage of drive-through dinners, gridlock-lunches and bumper-to-bumper breakfasts.
New Yorkers came in second place for the most popular “drive and bite” states, followed by Florida, North Carolina, and California.
For those who do this, hectic schedules (38%) are pushing more mealtimes behind the wheel than around the table, while 35% admit convenience often trumps connection when hunger hits during busy days.
Fast food (41%) is what’s most likely to be eaten while on the move, as well as hamburgers (25%), sandwiches (24%) and pizza (15%).
The study also found 34% enjoy eating in their car, with 26% feeling just as good about dining behind the wheel as they do about eating at a table.
Half (49%) of Americans generally eat in their vehicle alone, with lunch being the most popular time of day to do this (45%).
Over a third (34%) opt for quicker and more convenient food options to eat, with 13% only considering it a “proper meal” when they don’t have time to stop and eat elsewhere.
It also emerged that while 33%have previously had to pull over while driving to have another bite, 36% wisely choose things that are easier to eat with one hand.
Despite 34% opting for less messy food, 37% have still managed to drop stuff between seats, while 18% have been left with seat stains and greasy steering wheels (18%).
The research also found that as 33% don’t usually plan their weekly meals, 21% prioritize convenience over the ability to sit down to eat a proper meal.
However, if given the choice, 53% would prefer to eat their meals at a table compared to in a car — but despite this, 20% only manage to eat this way up to three times a week.
As a result of eating in their automobile, 62% of those polled via OnePoll.com will spend up to $30 per month on top of their usual food shop.
When comparing this between ages, millennials will spend the most ($24) during an average of four weeks, but Gen Z will eat more times on average than any other generation (four times per week).
The youngsters’ favorite types of foods to have when they are in the car include pizza (20%) and hamburgers (17%) — but 42% typically choose fast foods.
Besides eating in the car, which 76% of adults think is acceptable to do, 27% will also eat on the go while running errands, and 19% will munch away when shopping.
But interestingly, only 10% will consume food while taking public transport and just
7% when in a taxi — which makes the car an exception.
Here are the 10 states where people eat in their cars the most:
- Georgia - 3.14 meals per week
- New York - 2.92
- Florida - 2.65
- North Carolina - 2.54
- California - 2.51
- Pennsylvania - 2.32
- Michigan - 2.20
- Texas - 2.21
- Ohio - 1.83
- Arizona - 1.78
Methodology
For this survey, St. Pierre polled 2,000 American adults via OnePoll.com from June 5-15, 2026.
This story was produced by St Pierre and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
