The bring your own lunch (BYOL) concept is eating its way into the nation’s offices, with a massive 70% of office workers opting for a packed lunch to save money in the current climate.

According to a study commissioned by Nairn’s Oatcakes revealed today (Thursday 28th July) almost half of the packed lunch patrol feel their lunchtimes are stuck in a rut, and almost three quarters are hungry for more inspiration when it comes to lunch choices.

The research into the lunch habits of the UK revealed that:

· 44% of those questioned skip lunch at least once a week – which is a concern for 2 in every 5, who feel they should be making more of daily lunchtimes · It comes as no surprise that the days of ‘ladies who lunch’ has diminished and the results show that the average working lunch break is 25.9 minutes – that’s less than 2 hours per working week! · The majority of the country is eating ‘al desko’ and treating lunch as an additional action on the long to-do list

In a bid to save, lunchtimes have become short, sharp and stale – just like our meals – and as a result, the nation is crying out for more inspiration. Even when we do make time for lunch:

· The current ‘soggy sandwich’ doesn’t cut the mustard, with 53% finding the traditional sandwich doesn’t fill them up and 37% feeling hungry again after only two hours · 56% of us are too busy for lunch, yet 3 out of 5 of us wish we had more time for lunch · 76% state that they like to make the most of their lunchtime · 88% look to feel more naturally energised from their midday meal

As a result of the recent findings, Nairn’s is on a mission to naturally energise the working lunch and inject some inspiration into the lost lunch hour. Teaming up with TV’s Rachel Allen, Nairn’s will be giving tips on how to balance a busy lifestyle with a daily, nutritious yet exciting lunch routine.

Joined by renowned nutritionist and food consultant, Christine Bailey, and Scottish food ambassador Lady Claire Macdonald, Nairn’s has created delicious and nutritious recipe and topping ideas to help consumers feel naturally energised and keep them going for longer.