Singapore is a multi-ethnic city-state that serves as an important economic hub in Asia. It boasts an impressive home ownership rate and low unemployment rate.

Singaporean eating habits, despite their high standard of living, continue to trend towards unhealthy consumption. This is primarily due to an increase in fast food and takeaway meals consumption.

1. Consumption of Fast Food

The fast food market is an integral component of global economic activity. It offers a range of popular items to consumers, such as pizza/pasta, burgers/sandwiches, chicken, Asian/Latin American cuisine, seafood dishes and more.

Fast food has long been driven by convenience and cost-efficiency, even though healthier alternatives exist. The industry generates billions of dollars in operating receipts annually and employs numerous people.

According to a 2018 Nielsen survey, Singaporeans dine out more than half the time each week. This trend is especially prevalent among younger generations who are more susceptible to being influenced by advertisements for fast food restaurants.

The Health Promotion Board of Singapore recommends that adults consume at least one serving of wholegrain products and two servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Furthermore, the RDA for energy intake is set at 2,000 calories, while fat and saturated fat are not recommended. This study sought to assess whether fast-food consumers are likely to meet these dietary recommendations, as well as identify predictors associated with exceeding them (energy intake, fat content). Age (as a continuous variable), gender, ethnicity, household income group, and education level group were included in the model.

2. Consumption of Takeaway Food

Singapore, a small island nation, faces the issue of food security. It imports over 90% of its produce from over 170 different countries and regions.

Furthermore, the island-state’s hawker centres and affordable food stalls are renowned for their low prices. Unfortunately, these foods often lack nutrition and aren’t beneficial to long-term health.

Takeaway food consumption worldwide has been on the rise and is expected to remain so in Singapore. Nonetheless, dine-in transactions will remain the primary revenue generator within this sector for some time to come.

Researchers from Cambridge University and the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota have recently demonstrated that frequent fast food consumption in Singapore is linked to poor dietary and nutrient profiles as well as abdominal obesity. These results are in line with previous studies on Western-style fast foods.

3. Consumption of Desserts

Singapore’s dessert scene offers a vibrant medley of local and international tastes. You’ll find everything from sweet and salty treats to desserts inspired by different cultures around the world.

Sago Gula Melaka is one of Singapore’s beloved desserts, made with caramelised palm sugar and sago as the thickening agent. Once served, it’s garnished with more Gula Melaka on top for extra flair.

Chendol is a beloved Singaporean dessert served on shaved ice and soaked in syrup made with coconut milk and pandan leaves. It often comes accompanied by soft pandan-green jellies and kidney beans for added enjoyment.

Singapore boasts many delicious desserts, but for something classic and must-try you must try Ice Kachang. This mountain of ice shavings soaked in sweet syrup makes a popular snack among locals during hot weather.

4. Consumption of Alcohol

Singaporeans enjoy beer as the most popular alcoholic beverage due to its affordability and accessibility.

Alcohol is often used as a way of relieving stress, particularly among older generations. Unfortunately, excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks has detrimental effects on health and has been linked to diseases like cancer and cardiovascular issues.

Many Singaporeans turn to alcohol to help them relax and unwind after a long day at work. Although some have reduced their drinking after curbs were placed on their favorite watering holes, others continue partaking in recreational drinking.

According to a survey released by the Ministry of Health (MOH), while people may be drinking less, they are also more likely to engage in binge-drinking behaviors. The 2021 survey revealed that this prevalence remained stable at 9.6 per cent.

According to Dr Charles Mak, consultant at Nams, people may feel more stressed and isolated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which has left many Singaporeans feeling depressed or anxious. This could explain why there has been an uptick in alcohol consumption as they seek ways to cope with their emotions, according to Dr Mak.