How people in the UK prefer to cook: From scratch or meal kits?

At the start of a new year, many people focus on healthier eating habits, and home cooking can be a way of achieving specific goals. Cooking from scratch allows for greater control over ingredients, while meal kits offer convenience without the need for meal planning. Data from YouGov Profiles explores how often people cook from scratch, their preferences for meal kits, and the ingredients they avoid.

Cooking from scratch

Home cooking remains a regular habit for many in the UK. Nearly one in five (19%) say they almost always prepare food using basic ingredients, while 23% cook from scratch most days. Another 21% do so a few times a week, and 10% cook from scratch at least once a week. Less frequent home cooking is reported by 6% who cook from scratch a few times a month, 2% who do so at least once a month. About a tenth of the population says they hardly ever cook from scratch (10%). Roughly one in 20 (5%) say they never cook from scratch.

Age plays a role in cooking habits. Among both 18-24-year-olds and those aged 55 and older, the most common response is that they cook from scratch most days (23% and 24%, respectively). In contrast, those aged 25-39 and 40-54 are more likely to say they cook from scratch a few times a week.

What people make from scratch

Among those who cook from scratch, pasta sauces are the most commonly prepared food, with nearly half (49%) saying they make them from scratch. Baked desserts, such as cakes, brownies, and cookies, are also popular, with 38% baking at home. Pizza ranks third, with 26% picking the option. Less commonly made from scratch are ice cream and frozen treats (6%), yogurt (5%), and nut milks and butters (3%).

Age differences also influence cooking preferences. Younger consumers, particularly those aged 18-24 and 25-39, are more likely to make fruit juice or smoothies at home. Meanwhile, 28% of those aged 55 and older prepare their own stocks, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.

Meal kits and prepared foods

Despite the growing availability of meal kit services - including Waitrose’s recent acquisition of meal-kit delivery service Dishpatch - YouGov data shows that most people in the UK do not use them. When asked how often they use a recipe box that includes pre-portioned ingredients and instructions, 61% say never. Similarly, when asked if they are currently subscribed to a home delivery recipe box service or on a trial, 71% say they have never subscribed.

Prepared foods and ready-made meals, however, are more commonly purchased. While just 1% of people buy them more than once a day and 2% do so daily, 15% purchase them several times a week, and another 15% do so weekly. Nearly a fifth (18%) purchase them several times a month, 12% once a month, and 20% less often.

Ingredients people avoid

Regardless of whether they cook from scratch or rely on meal kits and ready-made meals, many people in the UK are mindful of their ingredients. Sugar tops the list, with 22% of people saying they try to limit or exclude it from their diet. Saturated fats follow closely at 20%, while 19% avoid sweeteners. Palm oil and trans fats are also a concern, with 18% and 17% of people avoiding them, respectively.

Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for the UK is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education and region. Learn more about Profiles.  

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