A vast majority of American adults say they enjoy cooking but they only prepare two in five meals at home, according to a survey conducted by the Harris Poll in May.
- Only one in five respondents said they did not enjoy cooking or do not cook, while three in ten said they loved the activity
- The enjoyment of cooking was not shared equally amongst all demographic groups. Gender differences had an impact on the results, with 32 percent of men saying they loved cooking while only 28 percent of women felt the same way
- Age also influenced attitudes towards cooking, as 33 percent of Matures (those 65 or older), loved it, but only 28 percent of Baby Boomers claimed to love the activity
- Results also indicate a generational difference in the frequency of preparing meals at home. More than half of Matures cook at home five times or more a week. But only 33 percent of Echo Boomers (those aged 18 to 33) do the same
- Among those who do cook, four in five respondents say they cook dishes they are familiar with very often. Many respondents relied on pre-prepared ingredients and three quarters of those polled say they use such products as well as convenient appliances like microwaves
- To find culinary inspiration, only 20 percent of respondents often look to food–related articles, online postings and cooking shows.
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