Researchers studied 26 people eating together and alone to understand how friends influence each other’s food choices. They found that when people eat with close friends, they tend to eat similar foods and in similar ways—not because they eat more, but because they naturally copy each other’s eating patterns. The type of meal mattered more than just being around someone. These findings suggest that we could use this natural tendency to help people make healthier food choices by creating positive eating habits within friend groups.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How eating with friends affects what and how much people eat, and whether friends end up eating similar foods when they’re together
  • Who participated: 26 people organized into 13 pairs of close friends who tracked their eating across multiple meals over several days, both when eating together and alone
  • Key finding: When friends eat together, they naturally eat more similar foods and in similar ways—about 31% of eating behavior differences came from individual people and friend pairs. The type of meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) mattered more than just being social, and eating patterns stayed more consistent when friends were together compared to eating alone.
  • What it means for you: Your friends’ eating habits may influence yours more through copying their choices than through peer pressure to eat more. This suggests that surrounding yourself with friends who eat healthy foods could naturally lead you to make healthier choices too. However, this small study needs to be repeated with more people before making major changes.

The Research Details

This study followed 13 pairs of close friends over multiple days, tracking what they ate in 468 different eating occasions—some meals eaten together and some eaten alone. The researchers used two advanced statistical methods: one that mapped out how similar friends’ eating patterns were to each other (like drawing a network map), and another that analyzed the data while accounting for the fact that friends influence each other differently than strangers would.

The researchers collected detailed information about each meal, including what was eaten, when it was eaten, and whether the person was alone or with their friend. They looked at three consecutive days of eating to see if patterns changed over time. They also noted how well friends knew each other and how close their friendships were.

Most previous research looked at whether people eat more when they’re with others, but this study took a different approach by examining whether people eat the same types of foods. Using two different analysis methods together allowed the researchers to see both the big picture (how friend pairs influence each other) and individual details (what specific factors matter most). This combination approach gives a more complete picture than either method alone.

This study is small with only 26 participants, which means the findings may not apply to everyone. The participants were likely from the UK and may have been similar to each other in ways not described. The study was carefully designed with good statistical methods, but because it’s small and only looked at friend pairs, the results should be considered preliminary. Larger studies with more diverse groups would strengthen these findings.

What the Results Show

The researchers found that about 31% of differences in how people eat came from individual traits and friend-pair relationships, meaning that friends do influence each other’s eating in measurable ways. When friends ate together, their food choices became more similar and stayed more consistent across meals. The strongest factors influencing whether friends ate similarly were how close their friendship was, how well they knew each other, and the type of meal being eaten.

Interestingly, the type of meal (breakfast versus lunch versus dinner) had a much stronger effect on eating patterns than simply being in a social situation. This suggests that meal type creates natural structure that influences what people eat more than social pressure does. When people ate alone, their eating patterns were less consistent and less predictable from day to day.

The study found that eating patterns changed across the three days studied, suggesting that social influence on eating isn’t constant but varies depending on circumstances. Social eating contexts created more stable and predictable eating patterns, while solitary eating showed more variation. The researchers noted that social influence appears to work through people naturally coordinating their eating behaviors rather than through direct pressure to eat more or less.

Previous research often focused on whether people eat larger portions when eating with others. This study adds new information by showing that social eating primarily affects what types of foods people choose and how they coordinate their eating patterns, rather than just increasing overall food intake. This finding suggests that social influence on eating is more subtle and pattern-based than previously thought.

The study included only 26 people in 13 friend pairs, which is quite small. All participants were likely from similar backgrounds in the UK. The study only lasted three days, so it’s unclear if these patterns continue over weeks or months. The researchers didn’t measure actual food amounts or calories, only similarity in food choices. The study also didn’t include information about whether participants were trying to eat healthily or had any dietary restrictions that might affect results.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research (with moderate confidence due to the small sample size): Consider spending meals with friends who have healthy eating habits, as you may naturally adopt similar food choices. Use meal times as opportunities to establish positive eating patterns with close friends. Be aware that the type of meal you’re eating influences your choices more than social pressure, so plan meals intentionally. This research suggests social influence works best through natural coordination rather than direct suggestions.

This research is most relevant for people interested in improving their eating habits through social connections, parents wanting to model healthy eating for children, and health professionals looking for ways to promote healthy eating in communities. It may be less directly applicable to people eating alone or those without close friend groups. The findings are preliminary and shouldn’t replace personalized nutrition advice from healthcare providers.

Changes in eating patterns through social influence likely develop gradually over weeks and months rather than days. You might notice small shifts in food preferences within 2-4 weeks of regularly eating with friends who have different eating habits, but establishing new eating patterns typically takes 6-12 weeks of consistent social eating.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track which meals you eat with friends versus alone, and note what foods you choose in each situation. Over 2-4 weeks, look for patterns in whether your food choices become more similar to your eating companions’ choices.
  • Identify one friend with healthy eating habits and schedule a regular meal together (weekly lunch or dinner). Use the app to log what you both eat and compare your choices over time to see if they naturally become more similar.
  • Create a ‘meal buddy’ feature in your tracking where you note who you eat with and compare your food choices to theirs over monthly periods. Track consistency of your eating patterns on social eating days versus solo eating days to see if social meals create more predictable, stable choices.

This research is preliminary and based on a small study of 26 people. The findings suggest patterns but should not be used as medical advice. Individual eating habits are influenced by many factors including health conditions, medications, allergies, and personal preferences. Anyone making significant changes to their diet should consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This study was observational and cannot prove that eating with friends causes changes in food choices—only that patterns exist. Results may not apply to all populations or eating situations.