Sharing meals has long been a valued tradition across many cultures, from the Jewish Shabbat meal to the Iftar meals of Ramadan. The connection between food and social bonds is deeply rooted in history, with languages reflecting this importance. The English word “companion,” for instance, originates from the Latin cum and pānis, meaning “with bread.” Similarly, the Chinese term for “partner” or “companion” traces its roots to a phrase meaning “fire mate,” evoking images of sharing meals around a campfire.
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Recent research published in the World Happiness Report 2025 has examined the relationship between meal-sharing frequency and individual happiness across 142 countries. The study, drawing on data from the 2022-23 Gallup World Poll, reveals a significant positive link between sharing meals and wellbeing. Countries where people share meals more frequently, such as Paraguay and Colombia, report higher levels of happiness. Conversely, in regions like South and East Asia, where meal sharing is less common, happiness levels associated with shared dining are notably lower.
Interestingly, the wellbeing boost from sharing meals varies by region. In North America, Australia, and New Zealand, those who switch from dining alone to sharing meals experience a happiness increase akin to doubling their income. However, in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, the effect is less pronounced. While the reasons behind these regional differences remain unclear, the study underscores the universal benefits of shared mealtimes.
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Social scientists view meal-sharing frequency as a tangible measure of social connectedness. Even when accounting for variables like age, gender, and income, the link between sharing meals and enhanced wellbeing holds strong. In the United States, where solo dining has become more common—especially among young adults—research indicates that people who share at least one meal with others report greater happiness and lower levels of stress and sadness.
