Lockdown has sparked positive changes in family behaviour

Food bringing the nation closer together

·         New research reveals the nation ate more meals together as a family during lockdown which has brought them closer together

·         Two in five said they talked more to their family or partner as a result and over a third said they laughed more at the dinner table

·         Brits also became more mindful with 40 per cent saying they made a conscious effort to be more sustainable and food waste aware

·         Hotpoint #FreshThinking campaign aims to help people maintain their new positive changes and mindful habits in ‘the new normal’

A new study has revealed that lockdown has sparked positive changes in family behaviour and habits in the kitchen, with mealtimes bringing UK families closer as they have bonded by spending more time together cooking and eating. 

Proving that the kitchen really is the heart of the home, the research by Hotpoint as part of its Fresh Thinking For Forgotten Food campaign, reveals that over a third of Brits (38 per cent) have sat down to eat together more as a family during the pandemic than before lockdown.

Two in five (40 per cent) said this led them to talking more with their family or partner at mealtimes than they did previously, with 35 percent saying they felt they have laughed more together at the dinner table than before.

During lockdown, over a third (38 per cent) of those surveyed said the amount they looked forward to mealtimes as a family increased, with two in five (41 per cent) Brits cooking more meals together as a family. Over a third (36 per cent) said they rediscovered their love of cooking during the pandemic. 

Almost three-quarters (74 per cent) said they felt pleased with their new habits and 90 per cent said they intended to continue.

Commenting on the research, behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings says: “In a time where our day-to-day lives have been turned upside down and fear and anxiety have never been far from our thoughts, it has been important to find an alternative routine that provides us with some distraction and reassurance.

“For many, both preparing family meals and sitting down and eating together as a family has provided that emotional support and been a comforting anchor in our new way of living.” 

The study by appliance manufacturer Hotpoint, revealed that Brits have become more adventurous in the kitchen, with 45 per cent trying out new dishes, and almost half (49 per cent) cooking more meals from scratch.

Almost two in five (39 per cent) said they cooked more healthy meals during lockdown than before. Following the banana bread craze that swept social media, over a quarter of men (27 per cent) and two in five (40 per cent) of women said they rediscovered their love of baking. 

Jo Hemmings agrees: “It’s not just the forgotten joy of sitting together, eating a home cooked meal as a family, more people have been finding a new love of cooking during the pandemic and preparing the family meal has become less of a burden and much more of a pleasure.”

Commenting on the research, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who is working on the campaign said: “This research by Hotpoint reflects exactly what happened in our home this year. We always used to eat all together at the weekends but at the beginning of lockdown we started having supper together every night as a family.

“We’ve also become much better at using leftovers and planning ahead – putting more thought into preparing food for the week, how we would turn dinners into lunch for the next day and not wasting anything.”

With fewer trips to the grocery store, almost half of those surveyed (45 per cent) said COVID-19 had made them think more about how to preserve food and organise their fridge, freezer and cupboards in a way that kept certain foods fresh for longer. Two in five (40 per cent) said they used their freezer more often during lockdown.

Nearly half (49 per cent) said they didn’t waste any food as a result of being home more and two in five Brits (40 per cent) said the lockdown has increased their efforts to be more sustainable and food waste conscious. 45 per cent turned their green fingers to growing more of their own food at home. 

In an effort to reduce food waste during the pandemic, 45 per cent of Brits kept cupboards, fridges and freezers more organised than before, with two in five (41 per cent) using meal plans and only shopping for the food they needed, with over a third using leftovers as meals. 

Kimberley Garner, Hotpoint Brand Manager, comments: “It’s been a dynamic and trying time, but we’re seeing that many people have embraced this period as an opportunity to reflect on the choices they make when it comes to sustainable household habits and caring for their loved ones, and as a result want to adapt their behaviour for the better.

“At Hotpoint, we are committed to supporting the public on this journey through the ‘new normal’, providing them with innovative solutions that empower more conscious choices at home, every day. With our #FreshThinking campaign, Hotpoint aims to help people continue their positive changes and conscious lifestyle choices – supporting “the way you care” at home.”

Hotpoint is committed to increasing awareness around the global issue of food waste and providing helpful tips and innovative product solutions to tackle this challenge in UK households. Now in its third year, Hotpoint’s Fresh Thinking for Forgotten Food Campaign aims to inspire everyone to enjoy great food whilst cutting back on household waste. As part of its long-term commitment to helping the public move to a zero-waste kitchen, Hotpoint has teamed up with Jamie Oliver to provide recipes, hacks and tips to help people better care for themselves and their families, as well as the environment.

The campaign also showcases the brands innovative, high performance cooking and refrigeration products that can also make a real difference when it comes to cutting back on household food waste.

To find out more visit: www.hotpoint.co.uk/FreshThinking.