Dear beach, packed lunches are back: "green" salads and sandwiches are winning on the beach.

High prices at beach resorts are emptying the shores and bringing back an old habit: packed lunches on the beach. This is revealed by a survey by Coldiretti Puglia at Campagna Amica markets, which captures an increasingly widespread trend among families determined to save money without sacrificing a day at the beach.

The new lunch box is healthy and sustainable

Compared to the past, however, the contents of the baskets have changed. Lighter, greener recipes are now available, designed for fitness and convenience. Rice, chicken, or seafood salads prepared at home top the list, with 35% of choices. In second place are traditional farmer's sandwiches and vegan variations (22%), followed by fruit salad (10%).

Tradition in decline

Traditional "fagottari" dishes are losing ground: vegetable or pasta frittatas (7%), parmigiana (4%), lasagna (4%), and meatballs (3%). The remaining 15% of preferences go to other dishes. According to Coldiretti, the choice is not only due to the high cost of the beach, but also to a shift toward healthier eating habits involving a growing portion of citizens.

The importance of food on a Made in Italy holiday

Food remains a central element of summer holidays: a third of tourist spending in Italy, according to Coldiretti, is spent on food, including restaurants, pizzerias, trattorias, agritourism, street food, and local specialties. This food and wine heritage, spread throughout the country, also represents a driving force for economic development and employment.

Growing food and wine tourism

For many travelers, food is now the primary motivation for vacation, with a boom in food and wine tourism fueled by festivals, wine routes, and initiatives showcasing local products. And while the beloved lido brings home-cooked meals back to the beach, the connection between travel and good food remains intact.

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