[tzs]

> The average household spends an inordinate amount on takeout and that figure will only grow [1].

Is it really inordinate? From the source you cited:

> According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. household spent an average of $3,459 on takeout, in-restaurant dining, and fast food meals in 2018

That's $288 a month. The average household is 2.5 people, so that's $115 per person per month or $3.79 per day. Assuming 3 meals a day, that would come to somewhere in the ballpark of 10-20% of their meals.

Personally, I'm at $133.96 for this month, from 15 fast food or take-out purchases (14 meals, one snack from the convenience store at the gas station while getting gas). My typical month is generally one Jimmy John's sub and cookie a week, one McDonalds burger and free fries (every Friday if ordered through the app) a week, a Jersey Mike's sub and cookie 3 times a month, and a McDonalds breakfast once a week, with maybe the odd Wendy's or Burger King or Arby's tossed in once or twice a month instead of one of the sub places. That seems rather modest to me.