According to new research, 8 out of 10 Americans are so tired after work that they can't cook a meal for themselves.
A survey conducted among 2,000 American citizens revealed that 77% of people admit that there are days when they are so tired after work that they don’t have time to cook food.
And one-fifth of respondents got so tired while cooking that they fell asleep while cooking.
This research was conducted by and commissioned by Tocker Research. kevin's natural foodsThe study looked at when respondents were busiest, and what specific impact this had on their eating habits.
Half of Americans surveyed (51%) believe they are busiest on weekdays – but 38% don’t get the weekend break they need, saying they are equally busy seven days a week.
This was reflected in respondents’ answers when asked which days were the most challenging to prepare a home-cooked meal – Monday was the most difficult day for those surveyed (35%), followed closely by Wednesday (29%) and Friday (29%).
Only 12% of respondents said they “never” get bothered by their busy schedule.
Of those who are stressed about their schedule, 40% said it impacts their diet (57% said it has a negative impact).
“We know how important it is for people to have access to healthy, convenient food options that don't compromise on taste or quality,” said Becky Graham, chief marketing officer for Kevin's Natural Foods. “We understand the barriers to eating healthy – and we want to provide food options that make healthy eating easier and more enjoyable for people with almost any lifestyle, especially the busiest families.”
When respondents feel short on time, they most often turn to their favorite convenience foods such as sandwiches (42%), fast food (37%) and microwaveable dinners (33%).
Although 78% of respondents reported that eating healthy is important to them, 19% of Americans surveyed still wait in line at a fast food chain at least once a day for the sake of convenience.
One in four respondents (26%) admitted they order food several times a week – and many of them regret it later because of the nutritional value (61%).
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The survey explored why people want to eat healthy food but are unable to do so.
The biggest barriers to eating a healthy diet include it being too expensive (41%), not having enough time to prepare healthy meals (26%) and difficulty finding healthy ingredients (19%).
Convenience was another barrier for Americans: 74% of those surveyed said they would be interested in healthier diets if they were more convenient.
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“Healthy eating should be easy for even the busiest families,” Graham said. “We want to help provide solutions that ensure people don't have to choose between convenience, delicious taste and nutrition when it comes to putting dinner on the table.”
When time is short, people resort to these foods:
- Sandwiches 42%
- Fast food 37%
- Microwaveable dinners 33%
- Frozen convenience foods/meals 31%
- Ramen Noodles 29%
- Eggs 25%
- Delivery/Takeout 22%
- Leftovers 19%
- Miscellaneous snacks 19%
- Air fryer meals 18%
Survey Methodology:
Tocker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans; the survey was commissioned by Kevin's Natural Foods and administered and conducted online by Tocker Research between August 5 and August 12, 2024.
