Los Angeles, CA. February 2026 — Employees are spending more on workday meals than ever before — yet many remain under-fuelled during working hours. Lifesum, a leading global healthy eating app, is warning that rising lunch costs combined with poor nutritional quality are quietly eroding workplace focus, energy and performance.

In the U.S., workers now spend an average of $108.68 per week on work lunches, up from $88 the previous year, according to a 2025 ezCater survey. In the UK, employees spend approximately £1,092 annually on lunch, according to research.

“Employers often focus on fitness benefits or mental health initiatives, but daily nutrition is one of the most immediate drivers of cognitive performance,” says Emelie Fritz, Director of Workplace Well-being at Lifesum. “When employees are under-fuelled, concentration dips, stress increases and productivity suffers — even if people are physically present.”

Despite higher spending, many employees skip meals, rely on ultra-processed convenience foods, or choose low-cost options that cause rapid energy crashes.

The impact is measurable. A recent EGYM Wellpass report found that 49% of employees say their performance has declined due to health issues. Nutrition is a foundational — and often overlooked — contributor to that decline.

The Hidden Cost: Presenteeism

Under-fuelling does not always result in absenteeism. Instead, it shows up as presenteeism: employees who are at work but operating below full cognitive capacity due to fatigue, blood sugar fluctuations and reduced mental clarity. As food inflation continues, Lifesum argues that employers should view nutrition not as a perk — but as a performance lever.

A Cost-Neutral Solution

Through its corporate platform, Lifesum for Work — used by organizations including Amazon, GE and PayPal — the company provides AI-powered nutrition tracking, personalized meal planning and behavior-change support that helps employees build affordable habits without increasing food spend. The emphasis: practical, cost-neutral adjustments that stabilize energy across the workday.

Five Affordable Foods That Support Workday Performance

• Oats – slow-release carbohydrates that promote steady energy
• Nuts and seeds – healthy fats linked to cognitive function
• Leafy greens – micronutrients that help reduce fatigue
• Berries – antioxidant-rich foods associated with brain health
• Legumes – low-cost, high-protein staples that support sustained energy

Simple Cost-Neutral Swaps

• Replace sugary snacks with fruit or nuts
• Choose whole grains instead of refined breads
• Prepare simple grain bowls or salads at home to reduce reliance on takeout

By reframing nutrition as a productivity strategy rather than a wellness perk, Lifesum believes employers can reduce preventable performance loss without increasing employee food budgets.

 

Media Enquiries
Emelie Fritz, Director of Workplace Well-being at Lifesum, is available for interviews.
Media contact: Harry Cymbler, Hot Cherry PR, harry@hotcherry.co.uk

About Lifesum
Used by over 65 million people globally, Lifesum is an AI-powered nutrition platform that helps people make smarter food choices and build sustainable, long-term habits. From improving focus and energy to managing weight and overall well-being, Lifesum provides personalized meal plans, recipes, and tracking tools that fit every lifestyle. Learn more at www.lifesum.com