Five million adults in the UK are unable to cook

According to chef Tom Kerridge, ‘cooking needn't be a big chore and is something everyone can learn the basics of and enjoy.’

But a new survey by YouGov says 10% of the population, equating to five million adults, cannot cook any dishes from scratch. This percentage can then be broken down into 16% of all men and 5% of women.

This statistic is one of the many findings of one of the largest food surveys ever, to mark BBC Good Food’s 25th anniversary. The survey takes a detailed look at our relationship with food from cooking ability to eating habits to food issues.

Reassuringly, the majority of those surveyed can confidently prepare ten or more dishes from scratch with an impressive 32% claiming to cook 20 or more.

Gillian Carter, Editor of BBC Good Food Magazine said: “This research, carried out by YouGov on behalf of Good Food paints a fascinating picture of our relationship with food in 2014."

The survey of more than 10,000 respondents reveals a nation of traditionalists, with a roast dinner

our favourite dish, tea our most prominent hot drink and fish and chips more popular than pizza or an Indian takeaway. Those who said they are better at cooking are also happier doing it, and almost 50% of us still sit down as a household every single day. 67% of us eat in front of the TV or computer screen, and one in five of us have two or more on while we eat.

What concerns to Gillian is that five million people say ‘they are unable to cook a single recipe.’ She said:  “We know cooking is a feel-good activity, with large numbers saying they felt happy when cooking, so the more people we can encourage, the better.”

Gillian and the team at BBC Good Food have been inspiring the nation for 25 years, and they think they can take some responsibility for making the UK a happier place.

Interestingly the microwave is the item people can’t live without, according to 56% of respondents, ahead of knives and toasters. And in an attempt to spend less money on food 15% now eat less meat than they did a year ago.

Hannah Williams, Digital Editor of BBC Good Food added: “Over the next twelve months Good Food is on a mission to boost the nation’s culinary skills and enjoyment of food. Good Food is the go to place for everything you need from recipes and cooking for families to foodie travel or locally sourced food.”

By Jenny Williams