Five-meal food recipe rut snares half of Britons

Nearly half of British consumers are trapped in a five-meal recipe rut, which sees them return to the same recipes week after week, reveals new research from Morrisons.

Its survey of 1,000 people revealed that millions of Britons remain loyal to a rotation of only five meal recipes.

More than half 55% admitted to eating the same meals now as they were 10 years ago.

Demanding lifestyles were the main barrier to trying new meals and developing culinary skills – with with 46% blaming lack of time as the main restriction to cooking, according to the research.

Unadventurous eating​

A third of consumers admit to spending 20 minutes or less preparing meals each day, which re-enforces the pattern of unadventurous eating. Most Britons consider they are terrible in the kitchen. Half of those surveyed described their cooking skills as ‘average’ or ‘below average’, while 19% of respondents blamed poor cooking skills as the main reason they were stuck in a culinary rut.

Nearly a quarter (22%) said they were unlikely to ever try to cook new types of cuisine as they prefer  traditional British meals such as roast beef, bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie.

When it came to deciding what meals to cook, half 50% said ease of preparation was the main deciding factor, while 44% identified tasted and 35% availability.

Of those who were prepared to try new meals, 29% reported trying new recipes once every three months or more.

Neil Nugent, Morrisons executive chef of product development said the results revealed how much British consumers were creatures of habit.

‘Stick to what we know’​

“It’s understandable that many of us stick to what we know, particularly as working hours and family commitments increase,”​ said Nugent.

“There have been some really exciting culinary developments over the past 10 years and we’re pleased to offer our customers a new and improved M Kitchen range of everyday favourites and new cuisines that we believe delivers on taste, quality and price.”​           ​

The survey also asked consumers to rank their favourite top 10 meals in order of priority. The top three favourites were: spaghetti bolognaise, roast beef/lamb/chicken and bangers and mash.

The research was undertaken to coincide with the launch of Morrisons new range of M Kitchen ready meals.

Britain’s favourite meals: ​

1.            Spaghetti bolognaise – 59%

2.            Roast beef/lamb/chicken – 47%

3.            Bangers and mash –  45%

4.            Shepherd's pie – 40%

5.            Chicken stir fry – 39%

6.            Casserole – 37.5%

7.            Chilli Con Carne – 37%

8.            Lasagne – 34%

9.            Steak and chips – 29%

10.          Pie and veg – 27%

Source: Morrisons