A survey has found more than half of Kiwis are turning to takeaways because of cost but a nutritionist says families can still prepare healthy meals that are affordable.
Menulog.co.nz, an online and mobile ordering service for takeaway food, revealed 53 per cent of 435 New Zealanders over the age of 18 across all regions admitted "ordering in because it was more affordable than cooking a meal from scratch".
Menulog spokesperson Julia Snabl said there was a growing demand for takeaways as consumers "are very conscious of their household budgets and the expense of cooking home meals".
"In New Zealand, everyday staples such as milk and butter have been steadily increasing in price, which increases the expense of even simple home-cooked meals."
Respondents in the survey said one in three would not pay more than $15 per person and 39 per cent would not pay more than $20 per person for a takeaway meal, she said.
However, Healthy Food Guide nutritionist Claire Turnbull said, while "some foods may have increased in price, you can still make a healthy, balanced meal at an affordable price using seasonal produce, frozen veges and making better use of pulses".