Time use for consumption and household production of food: is there a retirement-consumption puzzle in Germany?

In order to test whether a retirement-consumption puzzle does exist, we examine how food-related time use alters within the 50+ generation in Germany due to retirement. Based on the German Time-Use Survey, time-use patterns of retired and non-retired persons are compared statistically and determinants of time-use are elaborated by the use of double-hurdle and multiple regression models. There is no indication of a retirement-consumption puzzle but of a planned behavioral change in a new phase of life. Work-related food-away-from-home con-sumption is substituted by food production and consumption at home and associated shopping activities. Leisure-related away-from-home consumption gains importance for a portion of pensioners. These impacts are strong and highly significant for German households.