And Fox News personalities Dana Perino and Emily Compagno have some thoughts about why this unexpected dating trend makes perfect sense.
A Surprising Survey Shows Singles Are Rethinking Romance
A survey commissioned by Kellogg’s in Australia uncovered an interesting change in how singles approach their first encounters.
According to the findings, 64 percent of respondents expressed interest in meeting a potential romantic partner for breakfast rather than spending an evening at an upscale restaurant.
The appeal goes far beyond saving a few dollars.
More than half of participants reported that finding a meaningful relationship has become increasingly challenging.
Meanwhile, 66 percent expressed frustration with dating applications, saying the technology has made romantic connections feel less genuine.
For many singles, endless profiles, repetitive conversations, and disappointing encounters have transformed dating into something resembling a second job.
And after investing hours communicating with someone online, the last thing many people want is to spend a fortune discovering there is no chemistry in person.
That’s where a simple breakfast comes in.
Nearly one-third of respondents believed meeting in the morning would eliminate much of the anxiety associated with traditional dating.
Another group, representing almost one-quarter of those surveyed, appreciated the possibility of extending a successful breakfast meeting into an enjoyable afternoon.
Instead of committing to an elaborate evening, couples can get acquainted over coffee and decide whether the connection deserves more time.
Fox News Hosts Explain Why Breakfast Dating Makes Sense
The unusual trend caught the attention of the panel on Fox News’ popular program “The Five.”
Emily Compagno immediately recognized the financial advantages of skipping an expensive evening out.
She described breakfast dating as “so much less expensive” while pointing out that morning meetings also require a smaller commitment of time.
Her colleague Dana Perino highlighted another benefit that anyone who has experienced an uncomfortable first date can appreciate.
“If it doesn’t go well, you can move on,” Perino said. “If it goes well, then you have a good day.”
It’s a straightforward approach that removes much of the unnecessary drama surrounding modern romance.
A morning conversation that goes nowhere doesn’t have to ruin someone’s entire evening.
And when two people genuinely connect, there’s nothing preventing them from making additional plans.
Relationship coach Nicole Colantoni also sees advantages in keeping the first encounter uncomplicated.
A breakfast date is “casual, there’s less pressure, and you can actually talk,” Colantoni said.
That last point may be especially important.
Between loud restaurants, crowded bars, and the pressure to create a memorable experience, traditional first dates can sometimes become more about appearances than meaningful conversation.
A quiet café offers something different.
Two people can focus on getting acquainted without worrying about an enormous check arriving at the end.
The Shocking Price of Dating Is Driving Singles Away
While breakfast dating might sound like a passing social trend, the financial figures suggest something much bigger is happening.
Research from BMO’s Real Financial Progress Index found that the average American first date now costs approximately $189.
That’s a 12.5 percent increase from the previous year’s figure of $168.
And younger generations are facing even steeper expenses.
Millennials reported spending an average of $252 on a first date, representing an increase of roughly one-third compared with the previous year.
Generation Z respondents weren’t far behind, averaging approximately $205.
Those figures are particularly striking when compared with earlier research from Self Financial, which estimated typical dating expenses at approximately $50 to $70.
With Americans already managing housing payments, groceries, transportation, and other household expenses, an expensive night out can become a serious financial decision.
The consequences are showing up in dating behavior.
According to BMO, 47 percent of surveyed singles believe dating is no longer financially worthwhile.
Some have responded by eliminating dating expenses entirely.
Fourteen percent reported choosing activities that cost nothing.
Yet another 14 percent continue spending at least $300 on individual dates.
The bank characterized this growing divide as a K-shaped dating economy, with some singles dramatically reducing expenses while others continue pursuing costly experiences.
Paul Dilda, who leads consumer strategy research at BMO, summarized the financial pressure facing people searching for relationships.
“With spending on dating outpacing inflation, singles can feel priced out of love,” Dilda said.
That statement captures a problem that expensive restaurants and dating applications cannot easily solve.
Finding a partner shouldn’t require treating every first meeting like a major financial investment.
Could Pancakes Be the Answer to America’s Dating Frustrations?
The popularity of morning dates suggests singles are beginning to question the expectations that have shaped modern dating for years.
An impressive restaurant reservation might create an attractive social media photograph.
But it doesn’t guarantee an interesting conversation, compatible personalities, or a lasting relationship.
Breakfast offers a different set of priorities.
Instead of judging the quality of an encounter by how much money was spent, participants can concentrate on whether they actually enjoy each other’s company.
There’s also something refreshing about meeting someone during ordinary daylight hours.
No elaborate wardrobe is necessary.
No expensive cocktail menu needs to be navigated.
And nobody has to pretend an unsuccessful encounter was worth an entire evening.
For singles tired of the increasingly transactional nature of online dating, that simplicity may be exactly what they’ve been missing.
Of course, romantic dinners aren’t disappearing anytime soon.
A special evening at a favorite restaurant still has its place, particularly once two people have established a genuine connection.
But spending hundreds of dollars on someone you’ve only exchanged a handful of messages with is an entirely different proposition.
Perino and Compagno’s observations reflect a broader change in attitudes toward dating, money, and personal time.
Singles aren’t necessarily becoming less interested in relationships.
They may simply be becoming more selective about how much they’re willing to sacrifice before discovering whether a relationship has potential.
And in an economy where a first date can approach $200, a modest breakfast offers an appealing alternative.
Perhaps the next great American love story won’t begin beneath the chandeliers of an expensive restaurant.
It might start at a neighborhood diner, with two cups of coffee, a plate of pancakes, and a conversation worth continuing.
