Australians eating more Asian takeaway, less meat pies

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Australians eating more Asian takeaway, less meat pies

A study's found Australians are eating more Asian takeaways and fewer sandwiches, meatpies and sausage rolls.

Industry analysts at BIS Shrapnel have also found customers at fast food chains suchas McDonald's are increasingly choosing menu items other than traditional favourite, thehamburger.

The study on food takeaway habits and eating out involved interviews with around 2,000consumers in all mainland states.

Report author SANDRO MANGOSI says spending on sandwiches -- still the most populartakeaway choice -- dropped to $420 million last year from $500 million in 2000.

Asian takeaways rose to $85 million from $65 million in the same period.

The study's also found availability of fresh and healthy food is an increasing considerationfor consumers.

And nearly two in five consumers consider vegetarian dishes an important part of the menu.

AAP RTV eb/dl/jasU

KEYWORD: FOOD (SYDNEY)