Millions of British people are batch cooking meals during lockdown
During the coronavirus lockdown, British people are turning to batch cooking evening meals rather than preparing fresh dinners every evening.
Some of the UK’s favourite items to batch cook include the likes of curry, stew and spaghetti Bolognese.
With people only able to leave their homes to buy essentials, batch cooking is a good way for people to get more out of their meals without having to regularly pop to the shops for ingredients.
The study, which was commissioned to mark the 10th Anniversary of Great British Beef Week, found that a two thirds of the people asked were bulk cooking to save money.
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This type of cooking - while also great at reducing food waste - will save families an average of £300-per-year.
With millions of people up and down the country having to balance working from home with homeschooling their children, families are struggling for time.
It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that 73% of people are batch cooking food during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to save time.
Mental health is likely to play a role in this decision, too.
Having to think about what to cook each day is no easy feat, made more difficult during a global pandemic.
39% of people said they have turned to batch cooking specifically so they don’t have to think about what to eat at the end of each day.
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Batch cooking is nothing new, with many people choosing to prepare their food in this way in order to be healthier.
A lot of people pick Sunday as their designated batch cooking day in order to make sure there’s always something healthy to reach for when they’re busier during the week.
That’s the motivation of a quarter of British people during the lockdown, too.
Let’s not forget that one of the main reasons people are batch cooking meals during the pandemic is so they can distribute them between family, friends and neighbours who might not be able to so readily get out.
Jilly Greed, co-founder of Ladies in Beef, which organises Great British Beef Week, said: “We’re really pleased to see that beef dishes are topping the list of meals to batch cook for neighbours and families during this unprecedented time.
"There are so many different cuts of beef which offer such variety and versatility and can be used in a plethora of different cuisines and recipes.
"It’s great to see such community spirit shining through with households looking to cook for neighbours, focusing on reducing food waste and that the taste of beef is so universally enjoyed.”
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The average adult is currently batch cooking four meals in advance during this time, making sure there are always plenty of options in the freezer.
Many people see batch cooking as an effort, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Plenty of people double up on ingredients - with some even saying they do it subconsciously to ensure there is plenty of food to keep them going during this time.
