Munchy box
A munchy box or munchie box is an inexpensive fast-food product sold from takeaway restaurants, primarily in the West of Scotland and Glasgow in particular, but also in the East from Aberdeen to Hawick. It consists of an assortment of fast foods served in a large pizza box. American chain Jack in the Box has a similar "munchie meal" offered during a late-night schedule only.
Ingredients and nutrition
The contents of a munchy box vary but may typically include kebab meat, fried chicken, pizza, chicken tikka, onion rings, pakora, naan bread, garlic bread, coleslaw, other fast foods and sauces such as curry sauce or orange tangy. There is sometimes a salad item and, invariably, chips.[1][2]
The energy content of sample munchy boxes has been reported as 1224, 2200[1] and 3000[2] calories while their salt content was estimated to be more than double the 6g recommended maximum for an adult. While it is not clear whether a munchy box is actually intended to be consumed as a meal for one, there has been concern at the health implications if it is consumed in this way.
Criticism
The combination of very large portions and a low price has made the munchy box popular; however, its contents, consisting mostly of deep fried or fatty foods, have led to health concerns among some Scottish politicians and health campaigners, particularly if consumed by children. Glasgow City Council has undertaken nutritional analysis of munchy boxes on sale in the west of Scotland with the intention of encouraging restaurants to include healthier ingredients and reduce portion sizes.[1]
It has been suggested that such criticism perversely serves to boost the popularity of unhealthy foods, such as the munchy box and the deep-fried Mars bar, causing their consumption to become an act of rebellion against modern trends towards healthier eating.[3]