The third annual SuperValu Home Truths Report shows increases in the number of people cooking from scratch, with Sunday roasts still high on the weekly menu and an integral part of family get-togethers.
Time, lack of skills, and lack of inspiration have been cited as the main impediments to cooking from scratch during the report’s three years of surveys, but there is clear evidence now that the dial is moving in the right direction.
The report reveals that 13 per cent of respondents still believe it is too expensive to cook from scratch, despite clear evidence that cooking meals from fresh quality ingredients is better value than the more expensive options like ordering takeaways, while also being undoubtedly healthier.
Nearly nine out of 10 adults cook one meal at home from scratch at least five times a week, an increase of 3 per cent on last year. Cooking breakfast has become more popular, especially with younger consumers. Some 67 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds now cook breakfast five times a week, up from 42 per cent last year.
There has also been a discernible shift in attitudes towards scratch cooking, with adults offering fewer excuses than before. Last year, nearly half of all 18- to 24-year-olds admitted they did not cook from scratch because they were lazy; today only 37 per cent say that is the case.
Lack of inspiration is becoming less of an excuse too, as only 12 per cent now feel it is an excuse compared to 19 per cent last year. However, takeaways are not going away. The report shows an increase in takeaway meals and visits to fast food restaurant both up 5 per cent a week compared to last year.
Children’s portion sizes come under the spotlight with the revelation that 41 per cent of parents give their children the same size meals as they have, with only 11 per cent of parents giving them a portion that is a lot smaller for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner.
Encouraging healthy eating and getting children cooking at home remains relatively the same with 58 per cent of parents only sometimes including their children when cooking.
For the inspirational recipes, videos with meal-time tips, sample shopping lists, and blog posts from the SuperValu experts go to www.supervalu.ie
