One in Seven UK Food Delivery Outlets Are 'Dark Kitchens', Landmark Study Reveals
A comprehensive academic investigation has uncovered that a significant proportion of England's food delivery industry operates from hidden, delivery-only premises known as 'dark kitchens'. The research, which provides the first industry-wide framework for defining these entities, indicates that 15% of all online food retailers in the country function without any customer-facing storefront.
The Scale of the Hidden Takeaway Industry
The study, commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, analysed data from major delivery platforms including Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats. Through sophisticated data-scraping techniques and cross-referencing with tools like Google Maps, researchers identified clusters of food brands operating from identical postcodes—a telltale sign of these delivery-only hubs. This methodology revealed that one in seven businesses on these platforms is a dark kitchen, also referred to as 'cloud', 'ghost', or 'virtual' kitchens.
Dr Lucie Nield, co-lead investigator from the University of Sheffield, emphasised the urgency of the findings. "People deserve greater transparency about the food they are ordering online, and these businesses must be held to the appropriate regulatory standards," she stated. "Without this, dark kitchens risk falling through the gap, with potential consequences for public health."
Public Health and Regulatory Challenges
The rapid proliferation of dark kitchens presents novel challenges for regulators, local authorities, and consumers. Unlike traditional takeaways, which are subject to spatial planning policies and management zones—such as those around schools designed to limit fast-food density—dark kitchens operate in a regulatory grey area. Their lack of physical visibility makes them difficult to monitor and inspect.
Key public health concerns identified in the study include:
- Increased consumption of unhealthy food: The convenience and greater availability of online takeaways may encourage higher intake of foods high in fat, salt, or sugar.
- Food safety and allergen risks: Multiple businesses often share the same kitchen space, raising issues of cross-contamination and transparency for customers with allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Undermining public health initiatives: Existing policies aimed at creating healthier food environments are ineffective against these hidden operations.
Establishing a Clear Definition for Future Oversight
To address these issues, the research team collaborated with academics, public health professionals, local authorities, industry stakeholders, and consumers to develop a precise, shared definition. The agreed wording describes dark kitchens as: "Technology-enabled commercial kitchen(s) operating primarily for delivery, to fulfil remote, on-demand, consumer online orders of food for immediate consumption."
This definition is intended to facilitate:
- Clearer communication between all parties involved.
- More effective regulation and inspection processes.
- Enhanced consumer understanding and transparency.
Consumer Awareness and Industry Implications
Despite their growing prevalence, public awareness of dark kitchens remains remarkably low. A 2023 survey referenced in the study found that only a quarter of participants had heard of them, and just 9% had knowingly used one. However, after being presented with a working definition, over half indicated they would consider purchasing from a dark kitchen, provided its status was made explicit.
While these operations offer commercial advantages—such as reduced operating costs and location flexibility—the study underscores the need for robust oversight. The new framework aims to bring delivery-only hubs under stricter planning and public health scrutiny, ensuring that the hidden takeaway industry does not compromise consumer safety or well-being.
