Table Time: Survey Finds Families Skip Home Cooking 4 Times a Week

For generations, gathering around the dinner table has been a cherished tradition, a time for families to share stories, bond, and enjoy a home-cooked meal. But in today’s fast-paced world, that tradition is slipping away. Between work schedules, after-school activities, and rising grocery prices, many parents are finding it harder than ever to cook at home.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

To get a clearer picture of how families are adapting, Fabuwood surveyed 3,106 parents across the country. The results? On average, families opt for takeout, microwave meals, or other quick alternatives four times a week. This shift isn’t just about food; it’s changing how families connect and what they eat.

America’s Favorite Fast Dinners

• Pizza (frozen or takeout) is the top choice for 21% of families.
• Spaghetti with meat sauce follows closely at 17%.
• Tacos and burritos come in at 16%.
• Classic comfort foods like burgers, mac and cheese, and meatloaf are further down the list, showing a preference for quick, easy-to-make meals.

Why Are Families Skipping Home Cooking?

The biggest reason? Time.

• 32% of parents say their schedules are just too hectic to cook.
• 46% cite convenience as the main factor.
• 18% say rising food costs make it harder to prepare meals at home.
• Only 4% say they don’t cook because they lack the skills.

With so many families stretched thin, it’s no surprise that meal prep has taken a backseat. In fact, over 32% of parents spend less than 30 minutes cooking dinner most weekdays.

Takeout, Frozen Meals, and the Microwave Revolution

So, what are families turning to?

• 42% rely on frozen or pre-made grocery store meals.
• 34% opt for takeout or fast food.
• 24% heat up microwave meals.

While these options save time, they often come at the cost of nutrition and family bonding time in the kitchen.

The Disappearing Role of Kids in the Kitchen

Cooking isn’t just about food; it’s about learning life skills and spending quality time together. However, according to the survey:

• 30% of families never involve their kids in cooking.
• Only 26% regularly have their children help out.

Time constraints may be to blame, but this also presents an opportunity for families to bring back a little tradition, starting with simple, fun meal prep activities.

The Cost of a Homecooked Meal

Despite the rise in takeout and quick meals, families still see the value in home cooking, especially when it’s affordable. According to the survey, the ideal cost for a homecooked meal for a family of four is $20.42.

Finding the Balance

The survey paints a clear picture of modern mealtime challenges. Convenience and affordability are reshaping family meals, but there’s also a deep desire to preserve dinnertime as a moment of connection. For many families, the balance between convenience and tradition may lie in finding healthier, time-saving meal solutions that fit within a tight budget.

As life gets busier, the key may not be choosing between home-cooked meals and convenience but finding a way to blend the best of both worlds.