Lunch: Which of These Meals Is Typically Eaten in the Middle of the Day?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Historically, the main meal of the day was eaten at noon before shifting to the evening in many cultures. Lunch is typically the meal eaten in the middle of the day, with its size and significance varying widely across the globe. This midday meal provides the necessary energy to power through the afternoon, but its name can sometimes be a point of confusion depending on where you are in the world.

Quick Summary

This article explores the term 'lunch' as the midday meal, highlighting how cultural differences influence what and when we eat. It examines variations in meal timing and size, comparing midday practices across different countries and clarifying common points of confusion like the terms 'dinner' and 'supper'.

Key Points

The Midday Meal: 'Lunch' is the most common term for the meal eaten in the middle of the day in many parts of the world.
Cultural Variations: The name, size, and timing of the midday meal can vary significantly by country and culture, with some regions treating it as a light break and others as the main feast of the day.
Name Confusion: The terms 'dinner' and 'supper' can sometimes refer to the midday meal, depending on regional customs or whether it is the main meal of the day.
Health Benefits: A balanced midday meal is crucial for maintaining stable energy levels, regulating blood sugar, and improving focus throughout the afternoon.
Historical Shift: The term 'dinner' historically referred to the midday meal, but work schedule changes during the Industrial Revolution shifted this meal to the evening, making 'lunch' the new midday standard.
Recommended Timing: Nutrition experts suggest eating a midday meal roughly 3-4 hours after breakfast to keep metabolism engaged and sustain energy.

Lunch: The Universal Midday Meal

The meal that falls in the middle of the day is overwhelmingly known as lunch, though its characteristics differ markedly from country to country. For many, it's a light affair designed to break up the workday, but in other cultures, it stands as the main event of the day, commanding multiple courses and a longer break. This variation is tied to historical and social factors, including the industrial revolution, which shifted the main meal for many to the evening, and regional customs.

Global Perspectives on the Midday Meal

Around the world, the midday meal is far from uniform. In some countries, it is a brief pause, while in others, it is a substantial, multi-course feast. For example, in Spain, the midday meal (comida) is a large, multi-course affair often enjoyed between 2 and 4 p.m., leading many small businesses to close for a siesta. In contrast, a typical British lunch might be a quicker, lighter meal, with the main hot meal of the day often referred to as 'dinner' or 'tea' in the evening.

This variety extends to what is eaten. A packed sandwich is a common sight in American and British offices, whereas in Portugal, a full, hot meal is the norm, complete with soup, a main course, and dessert. This flexibility shows how the midday meal adapts to modern lifestyles while retaining cultural roots. The type of food can also vary based on regional availability and dietary traditions, ranging from simple fruit and cereal in Australia for a midday snack to hearty meat and fish courses in Portugal.

Comparison Table: Midday Meals Around the World


Country	Typical Midday Meal	Typical Time	Characteristics
United States	Lunch	12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Often a quick, light meal like a sandwich or salad, especially on workdays.
Spain	Comida	1:00 PM - 3:00 PM	A large, main meal of the day, with multiple courses.
Mexico	Comida	2:00 PM - 4:00 PM	A substantial meal consisting of multiple courses.
Portugal	Almoço	12:00 PM - 2:00 PM	A full, hot meal with soup, a main course, and dessert.
United Kingdom	Lunch/Dinner	12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Typically a small, light meal. The term 'dinner' can be used for the midday meal, particularly on Sundays or if it is the main meal of the day.

The Importance of a Balanced Midday Meal

Regardless of its name or cultural context, the midday meal plays a critical role in maintaining energy and well-being. According to experts, consuming a balanced midday meal can help regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the energy crashes and irritability often experienced in the afternoon. A well-composed lunch should ideally include a mix of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, lean protein for satiety, and healthy fats, along with fruits and vegetables for fiber and nutrients.

Consistently scheduled meals can also curb overeating later in the day and improve overall metabolic health. The meal provides a crucial opportunity to refuel and refocus, ensuring productivity and mental clarity for the rest of the workday. For those with busy schedules, even a small, balanced snack can be a good substitute until a proper meal can be had.

Historical Context: From Dinner to Lunch

The names and timings of meals have evolved over centuries. Historically, 'dinner' was the main meal of the day and was often eaten around midday. As working schedules shifted with industrialization, this main meal was pushed later into the evening, and a lighter, quicker meal was introduced in the middle of the day. This is how the term 'lunch,' an abbreviation of 'luncheon,' became the standard name for the midday meal in many English-speaking regions. This historical shift explains why, in some places or contexts, the term 'dinner' can still refer to the midday meal, creating some of the confusion that exists today. The Oxford Companion to Food notes that 'luncheon' may have evolved from the Old English word 'nuncheon' or 'nunchin' meaning 'noon drink'.

Conclusion: Lunch by Any Other Name

Ultimately, the meal typically eaten in the middle of the day is universally known as lunch, though its specifics are colored by cultural tradition, local language, and daily routines. While its name might vary (sometimes being called 'dinner' or 'tea'), its function remains the same: to provide nourishment and energy between the morning and evening meals. Understanding these global variations offers a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways people break up their day with food. For more insights into how meal timings influence health and well-being, explore research from authoritative sources like Johns Hopkins University.

Frequently Asked Questions

The typical meal eaten in the middle of the day is called lunch. It is generally consumed around noon or early afternoon, between breakfast and dinner.

Lunch is sometimes called dinner, particularly in the UK and in certain regional dialects, because historically the main meal of the day was eaten at midday. While the evening meal is now more commonly referred to as dinner, the older usage persists in some contexts, such as 'Sunday dinner'.

Midday meal habits differ significantly across the world. For instance, in Spain and Mexico, it is a substantial, multi-course meal often enjoyed later in the afternoon, whereas in the United States, it is frequently a lighter, quicker meal.

Brunch is a meal typically eaten in the late morning or early afternoon that combines elements of both breakfast and lunch. It is an informal meal, often larger and more leisurely than a typical weekday lunch.

Common foods for a midday meal can include sandwiches, salads, soups, leftovers, and various hot dishes, depending on the culture. A classic British Ploughman's lunch is another well-known midday meal option.

Yes, eating a balanced midday meal is crucial for maintaining consistent energy levels and preventing the afternoon 'slump'. It helps to regulate blood sugar and provides fuel for both physical and mental tasks.

The terms 'supper' and 'dinner' can be confusing as their meanings vary. Historically, supper was a lighter evening meal, while dinner was the main meal, sometimes eaten at midday. In modern usage, dinner is often the main evening meal, while supper can still refer to a lighter, later evening repast.