Article Text
Abstract
Background Unhealthy diets are important risk factors for obesity and non-communicable diseases and are influenced by food environments. In recent years, food purchasing has shifted to online spaces, highlighting the importance of studying digital food environments. This study explores two relatively new developments in online food delivery in a London local authority, namely delivery-only ‘dark kitchens’ and rapid grocery delivery services. The aims of this study are to assess access to these services; their impact on the availability of food, tobacco and alcohol; and the use of advertisement on delivery platforms.
Methods An explorative analysis of the digital environment for food delivery was conducted in 2021 in the London Borough of Haringey. Publicly available data was collected online using websites and mobile applications for three dark kitchens (Deliveroo Editions, Karma Kitchen and Foodstars), three rapid grocery delivery apps (Zapp, Gorillas and Getir), and two meal delivery platforms offering grocery delivery (Deliveroo and Uber Eats). Information was extracted on location; primary food availability; alcohol and tobacco availability; delivery hours and times; advertised products; and prices. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis.
Results Dark kitchens in Haringey were used for food delivery by 116 food businesses, 52% of which were virtual restaurants without physical premises. ‘Fast food’ (including burgers, kebab, fried chicken and chips) (46%) and dessert (21%) were the most commonly available foods. 16.4% of businesses sold alcoholic beverages. Rapid grocery delivery apps sold a variety of products, including pre-packaged snacks, ready meals, fruit and vegetables, cupboard items, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Grocery businesses available on meal delivery platforms included virtual alcohol shops (35.5%), supermarkets (19.7%), convenience shops (19.7%) and off-licenses (14.5%). Alcohol (90.8%) and tobacco (61.8%) were available from the majority of businesses, while fruit and vegetable availability was limited (25%). Delivery was typically available beyond regular opening hours, with delivery times starting at 10 minutes. Both types of grocery delivery services focused advertisement on pre-packaged foods and alcoholic beverages, with some instances of tobacco promotion.
Conclusion This rapid analysis suggests that dark kitchens and rapid grocery delivery services likely increase the temporal and geographic availability of products that can harm health, with more limited access to healthy items. Of particular concern and policy relevance is the widespread marketing of food, alcohol and tobacco on online food delivery services. Further research is necessary to understand the full scope and public health impacts of online food delivery services.