Doggy bags are steadily gaining traction in the Netherlands. This year, nearly 1 in 5 Dutch people requested a doggy bag more often than in previous years. Despite this shift, a stigma lingers: 47% feel embarrassed asking for one in a restaurant, and 1 in 3 is ashamed to carry a recognizable doggy bag in public. Overall, 74% never take leftovers home, though 44% would do so more frequently if the practice were more widespread.
Doggy bags align seamlessly with Dutch culture—68% grew up with the rule to always clean your plate, 82% despise food waste, and 68% find dining out expensive. "It's odd that frugal Dutch aren't yet requesting them en masse," the survey highlights. Some 77% want restaurants to do more against food waste, 27% prefer eateries that prioritize it, and 63% believe doggy bags should always be offered for leftovers. A majority (69%) favors small and large portion options per dish. 'Proactively offering doggy bags reassures guests on portions and boosts acceptance.'
