As early evenings draw darker, earlier, and everyone rushes home in the cold, weeknight dinner time is fast becoming one of the most stressful parts of the day for Irish households. New research from recipe box Gousto shows that more than half of adults (55%) feel under pressure when planning weekday meals, with many saying the stress kicks in long before the pan hits the hob.
The study, carried out by Amárach, reveals that people often walk through the door cold, tired and hungry, but still need to decide what everyone is eating. The job of deciding what to cook usually falls on one person, with more than one in two (53%) saying they shoulder the burden most nights. Time pressure is the biggest trigger (16%), followed by a rise in general irritability (15%) (read: hangry!) in homes where everyone is trying to settle in after a long day.
The research shows that ease and convenience win out during the week, with over a third (35%) naming it their number one priority at dinner time. At weekends, the pressure lifts and people pick what they fancy, with one in three (33%) putting personal preferences first when there is more time to cook.
“It is the decision-making that wears people down, not the cooking,” said Sophie Nahmad, Lead Recipe Developer at Gousto. “When the evenings are dark and rushed, people look for meals that offer convenience and take the pressure out of the busiest part of the day. Gousto’s ranges, like One Pan Wonders and Prepped In 5, are designed to make that moment feel easier without having to compromise on taste or convenience.”
Gousto aims to help bring more Dinner Peace to households across the nation. With 150 recipes every month, fresh pre-portioned ingredients designed to minimise food waste and clear recipe cards, customers can plan ahead, choose meals that suit the season and avoid the nightly scramble.
Portions start from €5.13, or €2.57 with the introductory offer. For more information or to place an order, visit www.gousto.ie or download the Gousto app from the App Store.”
