Singles are ditching dinner and drinks for breakfast dates as dating habits shift, survey says

The classic saying, "the early bird gets the worm," might also apply to dating.

A survey conducted by Kellogg’s in Australia showed that 64% of the country’s singles are open to meeting for breakfast on a first date.

Over half of Australian singles also feel that dating is more difficult than it used to be, the poll indicated. Additionally, 66% of people surveyed said dating apps have reduced authenticity and made it harder to find a genuine connection.

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In order to shake up the dating process, more people are opting to meet a match in the morning for breakfast or coffee instead of for a dinner date or evening cocktails.

The Kellogg’s survey showed that 31% of Australian singles felt that meeting for a first date in the morning takes the pressure off.

During a recent segment of ‘The Five,’ co-hosts examined the survey and discussed their thoughts about morning dates.

"It’s so much less expensive," Emily Compagno noted, adding that it’s also less time-consuming than a traditional dinner date.

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"If it doesn’t go well, you can move on," Dana Perino said. "If it goes well, then you have a good day."

If a breakfast or coffee date does go well, there’s plenty of time left in the day for a pair to continue exploring their connection.

Of the people polled, 23% said they liked the fact that a breakfast date could turn into a spontaneous adventure.

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Meeting in the morning, by default, removes the expectation to stay out late into the night. With a breakfast or coffee date, needing to leave for work or run errands are both easy exit points.

Affordability is a key player in the shift from dinner dates to breakfast or coffee, as the cost of dating has risen in recent years.

According to BMO Financial Group’s 2026 BMO Real Financial Progress Index, the average total cost for a first date was $252 for millennials (a 32% increase from 2025) and $205 for Gen Z, up from $194 in 2025.

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Breakfast dates are "… casual, there’s less pressure, and you can actually talk," dating and relationship coach Nicole Colantoni said. "And if the chemistry is there, you’ve got the rest of the day ahead of you."

The survey conducted in Australia could be an indicator that more singles may soon flock to local cafés or diners to meet a match over a latte or pancakes, drawn by palatable price tags and low-stress environments.