Research released today reveals that one in 10 Brits suspect their delivery driver has tasted their food en route, rising to almost a quarter (24%) of 18–24-year-olds. The majority – a whopping 86% – of Brits agree that food outlets should step up and protect their deliveries from tampering.
London leads the country in suspected food tampering, with 17% of residents believing their delivery drivers have tasted their food, while the North East reports the lowest rate at just 3%.
The YouGov survey of approximately 2,000 GB adults by retail and catering consumables provider, CCS McLays uncovers the top red flags for the quality of food deliveries. Among British adults who have ordered delivery food, temperature leads the way, with 53% citing it as a major issue. Half (50%) have been concerned about missing items, 40% by receiving the wrong order, and more than a fifth (22%) say the poor state of food rang alarm bells, with 21% similarly concerned by the condition of its packaging.
The findings reveal widespread dissatisfaction among Brits regarding the hygiene standards of food deliveries, with more than half (55%) expressing concern. Additionally, 59% admit they are “grossed out” by the thought of delivery drivers interfering with their food.
When faced with a negative experience, British consumers are quick to act: 44% say they wouldn’t reorder from the same provider, 66% would complain to the brand directly, 38% would warn friends, and 17% would leave a negative review on social media.
The CCS McLays survey also uncovers key factors that would enhance the food delivery experience for Brits who have ordered delivery food: 60% value timely delivery, 50% opt for a sealed delivery container, 50% want a clear tracking process, 49% prefer tamper-evident packaging, more than a third (36%) seek an easy way to raise concerns, and an equal number emphasise the importance of a pleasant interaction with the delivery driver. The findings also reveal that 84% of Brits would expect food outlets to use a product that guaranteed their food delivery wasn’t tampered with and arrived in good condition, if such a product was available.
The findings come as CCS McLays launches the Seal2Go tamper-evident food delivery bags in the UK, which are designed to keep contents safe and improve customer experience.
Ian Hall, CEO of CCS McLays, said:
“UK consumers are becoming increasingly unforgiving when it comes to poor food delivery experiences. They’ll often give food outlets just one chance – if they’re dissatisfied, they’ll quickly switch to a competitor. In today’s market, it’s not about offering flashy extras. Getting the essentials right, such as ensuring food is secure, fresh, and tamper-free, makes all the difference.”
“Our research shows that consumers are calling for urgent action from food outlets to safeguard their orders. In the US, there are already laws regarding protective food containers, with regulations in California mandating tamper-evident packaging for all food deliveries. While the UK isn’t at that stage yet, consumer demand is clearly heading in the same direction. Competitors are just a few clicks away for disappointed customers.”
The survey also reveals some intriguing differences across age groups, with younger demographics reporting more incidents of suspected food tampering. Among 18-24-year-olds, 24% suspect that they’ve had food orders tampered with during the delivery process, followed by 18% of 25-34-year-olds. In contrast, just 4% of respondents aged 55 and over – the oldest group surveyed – reported similar experiences. Interestingly, while younger consumers seem more forgiving after a negative delivery experience, with 22% of 18-24-year-olds willing to give a food outlet another chance, only 14% of those aged 25-54 would do the same. The 55+ group is the least forgiving, with only 6% willing to return for one more try after a bad experience.
CCS McLays’ Seal2Go tamper-evident food delivery bags are designed with the customer’s peace of mind at the forefront. Featuring an integrated tamper-evident system, the bags come equipped with foldable adhesive closure tabs and tamper-proof score cuts, ensuring an added layer of security that protects food from unauthorised access. Each bag includes a unique pull tab, requiring a deliberate action to tear it open, which not only reinforces the integrity of the contents but also provides reassurance to customers. Additionally, built-in vent holes allow for proper air circulation, helping to maintain the freshness and quality of the food during transit.
For more information on the new Seal2Go food delivery bags from CCS McLays visit: https://www.ccsmclays.co.uk/
About CCS McLays
CCS McLays is the UK’s leading provider of retail consumables, packaging and catering supplies for retail brands and high street food outlets. Founded in Cardiff in 2005 by current CEO, Ian Hall, the company has grown to employ 152 staff and expanded its customer base globally with stores as far as Australia and New Zealand. UK customers include Clarks, Wasabi, itsu, JD Sports, Iceland, Hugo Boss, Fenwick, Russell & Bromley and Dr Martens.
Best described as ‘The Detail Behind the Retail’, CCS McLays supplies in-store consumables, disposables, retail packaging and catering supplies, from signage and stationery, bags and clothes hangers to food containers and packaging.
CCS McLays strategically advises retailers and food outlets on their core business processes to enable them to make significant productivity and cost saving gains. This includes optimising product categories, in addition to the client’s overall processes for procurement, supply, logistics, and delivery. For further information visit: https://www.ccsmclays.co.uk
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2048 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 23rd – 24th September 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
Feature image by Shutterstock Antonio Guillem
Body image by Shutterstock Prostock studio
