Forget Dinner and Drinks — Breakfast Dates Are Becoming the New Dating Trend
Who says romance has to happen after dark? Singles are ditching expensive dinners and evening cocktails for coffee, pancakes and a little morning chemistry.
The way to someone’s heart might just be through their stomach — preferably before 10 a.m.
A new survey from Kellogg’s in Australia found that 64% of singles are open to going on a breakfast date for their first meeting. The trend offers a more casual, affordable alternative to the traditional dinner-and-drinks routine as people rethink how they approach dating.
And apparently, singles could use a change. More than half of those surveyed said dating has become more difficult than it used to be, while 66% believe dating apps have made it harder to find authentic connections.
So instead of swiping endlessly and dropping a small fortune on dinner with a stranger, some singles are heading to their local café for coffee, conversation and a side of hash browns.
Why Breakfast Dates Are Catching On
For starters, there's a lot less pressure when you're meeting someone over a cup of coffee instead of committing to a three-course dinner.
According to the Kellogg’s survey, 31% of Australian singles said a morning date takes some of the pressure off the experience.
It also gives both people an easy way out if the chemistry just isn't there. No need to sit through an entire dinner pretending to be fascinated by someone's vacation photos when you could finish your latte and get on with your day.
As The Five co-host Dana Perino pointed out during a discussion about the trend, if the date doesn't go well, you can move on. If it does go well, you've still got the rest of the day ahead of you.
And that could be the best part. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed, or 23%, liked the idea that a breakfast date could turn into a spontaneous adventure. One cup of coffee could lead to a walk, a trip to a farmers market or even an impromptu afternoon together.
Of course, you've also got the perfect excuse to leave if things get awkward: work, errands or the sudden realization that you desperately need another cup of coffee somewhere else.
Dinner Dates Are Getting Expensive
Money is another major reason singles may be rethinking their dating strategies.
According to BMO Financial Group's 2026 Real Financial Progress Index, the average total cost of a first date reached $252 for millennials, a 32% increase from 2025. For Gen Z, the average was $205, up from $194 the previous year.
That's a lot of money to spend on someone you might never see again.
A breakfast date, on the other hand, can keep the bill manageable while still giving two people an opportunity to get to know each other. A couple of coffees and breakfast sandwiches are generally a much smaller financial commitment than dinner, drinks and a tip.
Dating and relationship coach Nicole Colantoni also highlighted the appeal of the morning meetup, describing breakfast dates as casual, lower-pressure opportunities to actually talk and see whether there's a connection.
Could Breakfast Be the Future of Dating?
The Australian survey doesn't necessarily mean everyone is about to trade candlelit dinners for cereal, but it does suggest that singles are looking for simpler ways to meet potential partners.
Breakfast dates offer a few obvious advantages: they're usually cheaper, they don't require a late night, and they leave plenty of time for other plans if things don't work out.
And if the date turns out to be a success? Well, you've got an entire day to keep the romance going.
So, would you rather spend $200 on dinner and drinks with someone you've never met, or grab coffee and pancakes and see where things go?
Breakfast dates: romantic new trend or just a cheaper way to find out if someone is worth a second date?
