The way you describe it, changing eating habits DRIVE what the food market is offering. Isn't it the other way around: that more convenience and on the go options have changed our eating habits? There's an interaction between supply and demand, obviously, but I feel the profound changes on the supply side have driven changes in behaviour, i.e. that made new eating habits possible.
I think it's both. Supply driving demand is definitely part of the picture - who knew they wanted or needed 24hr restaurant food delivery before they could? - but part of it is definitely the result of OUR routines changing and creating opportunities. A lot of the rigidity of mealtimes in the 1970s comes out of the composition of the workforce - a huge proportion of workers in manufacturing/industrial jobs with strictly mandated lunch breaks and daily routines. More office jobs today mean more flexibility, both good (take lunch whenever you want) and less good (grab a sandwich while answering emails).
The way you describe it, changing eating habits DRIVE what the food market is offering. Isn't it the other way around: that more convenience and on the go options have changed our eating habits? There's an interaction between supply and demand, obviously, but I feel the profound changes on the supply side have driven changes in behaviour, i.e. that made new eating habits possible.
I think it's both. Supply driving demand is definitely part of the picture - who knew they wanted or needed 24hr restaurant food delivery before they could? - but part of it is definitely the result of OUR routines changing and creating opportunities. A lot of the rigidity of mealtimes in the 1970s comes out of the composition of the workforce - a huge proportion of workers in manufacturing/industrial jobs with strictly mandated lunch breaks and daily routines. More office jobs today mean more flexibility, both good (take lunch whenever you want) and less good (grab a sandwich while answering emails).