How Much Do Students Spend on Takeaways in the UK? (2026 Guide)

University life is busy. Between lectures, assignments, social events and part-time jobs, convenience often becomes the priority when it comes to food.

For many students, takeaway apps provide a quick solution. However, regular food deliveries can quietly become one of the largest monthly expenses outside of rent and bills.

Typical Student Takeaway Spending

These examples are illustrative, but they highlight how quickly food delivery spending can accumulate over an academic year.

Why Takeaways Feel Cheaper Than They Really Are

Many students focus on the cost of a single order rather than the total monthly spend.

A £12–£18 order may not feel significant in isolation, but repeated several times per week it can become a major budget category.

Additional costs often include:

• Delivery fees
• Service charges
• Small-order fees
• Impulse add-ons
• Late-night ordering

The Hidden Cost of Convenience

How Meal Prep Compares

Meal prep delivery services provide a different approach to convenience.

Instead of making food decisions every day, students receive prepared meals that can be stored and eaten throughout the week.

This often creates more predictable food spending and can reduce reliance on last-minute takeaway orders.

Can Students Actually Save Money?

The answer depends on current habits.

Students who only order occasional takeaways may not notice a major difference.

However, students regularly spending £150–£300+ per month on food delivery apps may find that planned meal options provide better overall value.

The biggest savings often come from reducing impulse purchases rather than simply lowering meal costs.

Nutrition Considerations

Cost is only one part of the equation.

Many students also look for ways to improve energy levels, support fitness goals and maintain healthier eating habits throughout the academic year.

Prepared meal services can provide greater nutritional consistency compared with frequent takeaway meals.

Signs You're Spending Too Much on Takeaways

What Are the Alternatives?

Students generally have three options:

• Cook everything themselves
• Use takeaway apps regularly
• Use meal prep or meal delivery services

Each approach has advantages and disadvantages depending on budget, lifestyle and personal preferences.

In our next guide, we'll compare meal prep and Uber Eats directly to see which option provides better value for students.

Final Verdict

Many students underestimate how much they spend on takeaway food throughout the academic year.

While food delivery apps offer convenience, repeated orders can become surprisingly expensive when viewed over months rather than days.

For students looking to improve budgeting, nutrition and consistency, meal prep and meal delivery services are increasingly popular alternatives worth considering.

FAQs

How much does the average student spend on takeaways?

Spending varies significantly, but frequent takeaway users can spend hundreds of pounds per month on food deliveries.

Are takeaway apps expensive for students?

Costs can increase quickly once delivery fees, service charges and multiple weekly orders are factored in.

Can meal prep help students save money?

Many students find meal prep creates more predictable food spending and reduces impulse ordering.

What is the cheapest way to eat at university?

Cooking from scratch is often the lowest-cost option, although convenience and time availability should also be considered.

Related Guides

Disclaimer: Spending examples are illustrative and actual costs vary depending on ordering habits, location and food choices.