Are lunch habits in line with health goals?

A good lunch is diverse. It includes vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates while satisfying hunger. A balanced lunch portion is important, whether we enjoy lunch in the office kitchen or at a lunch restaurant. If you choose a lunch from a grocery  store, just a pre-made salad is not enough; it's important to ensure that the meal contains a sufficient variety of nutrients and keeps you full until the end of the workday. Lunch restaurants often take a diverse selection into account in their offerings, allowing you to easily assemble a lunch portion according to your needs.

Edenred's wokrlife expert Laura Lahtinen appeared live on MTV 3's Huomenta Suomi broadcast on 9.9.2025 together with restaurateur Habi Saini from the Satama Bar & Bistro restaurants to share their thoughts on the topic.

Watch the recording here (in Finnish).

How does lunch contribute to health?

In a lunch restaurant, it is easy to build a versatile meal that includes enough protein, fiber, and vegetables, effectively satisfying hunger. A person who eats too little during the day may struggle to find energy after work, which can lead to reduced physical activity and fatigue during leisure time. Someone who doesn't eat well may also end up overeating in the evening, which can negatively affect sleep quality.

Although the primary purpose of lunch is to curb hunger, it also has many other health benefits. It provides an important break in the workday, allowing us to refresh and disconnect from work-related matters.

Lunch dining has long-term effects on both social relationships and wellbeing. During the break, we often have the opportunity to talk with colleagues about topics other than work, which promotes a positive work atmosphere. At the same time, our thoughts shift away from work, aiding in recovery.

When we step away from our own workspace and take a short walk outside, our brain gets fresh air and we enter a new environment to eat, which helps with afternoon's attention and concentration, as well as ensures that we can complete the workday successfully, says Edenred's worklife expert Laura Lahtinen.

How do restaurants consider a healthy diet?

Presentation of lunch options matters. In many buffet lines, one often starts with salad table, which can lead to significantly less main course being taken. Many restaurants also offer vegetarian options alongside meat proteins, which increases variety.

However, the lunch diner plays an important role in regulating the portion size of their meal. Overeating can make one feel exhausting, so it's important to remember that moderate energy intake promotes alertness and helps sustain energy for the latter part of the workday. Therefore, moderation in lunch dining is a key factor in maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

What are the lunch habits of Finns like?

Finn's lunch habits root from an early age in daycare, and the lunch benefit helps maintain this practice also in adulthood. Maybe that is why the lunch benefit is the favorite employee benefit among Finns!

According to Habi Saini, the restaurateur of the Satama Bar & Bistro restaurants in Helsinki, traditional foods such as salmon, meatballs with mashed potatoes, lasagna, and macaroni casserole rise to the top among favorite lunch dishes. While some eagerly try new flavors, familiar and comforting options remain popular. Dessert is also almost an essential part of lunch, as it is a highly appreciated addition to the lunch experience among Finnish diners, with many not skipping it.

How does the increase in lunch prices affect lunch diners?

The value of the lunch benefit has increased year by year, and so has the price of restaurant lunches. However, Habi Saini from Satama Bar & Bistro does not see that the price increase has reduced their customer numbers.

We have a very diligent customer base. We haven't noticed any significant changes in customer behavior. Of course, it's always difficult decisions when prices need to be raised. Often, the reason behind this is the increase in ingredients' costs, the global situation, and other factors that affect the overall picture, says Saini.

Good ingredients, taking a break outside the workspace, and traditional favorites as well as trying new things continue to motivate Finns to go out for lunch.