Results of the study "Kitchen and Cooking in Germany 2009"

Prefer low fat and healthy

More than two thirds of Germans claim to be able to cook well or very well. Overall, however, cooking skills have deteriorated somewhat over the last six years. This resulted in a GfK Panel Services.

Around 15 percent of consumers stated that they can cook very well. The number of "top chefs" among the German population has decreased slightly. In 2003 the figure was only 17 percent. The group of those who classify their cooking skills as well, fell in the last six years of 55 53 on percent. In contrast, the proportion of women and men who can cook fairly well has increased 2 percentage points to 22 percent. The number of households in which exercise "less good" cooks, rose slightly from 7 on 9 percent.

Taste and quality obviously play a major role in cooking. Irrespective of whether consumers pick up the wooden spoon themselves or not, a large majority agrees with the statement "Homemade tastes better and I know what's in it." A total of 84 percent agree; this value has not changed since the last survey. Having fun at the stove, on the other hand, is a motivation for far fewer people to cook for themselves. Only a third of all households mention cooking as a hobby.

Nowadays, almost every German thinks that cooking is also a man's job. Only 7 percent of those surveyed agree with the statement that preparing meals is the sole responsibility of women. The vast majority take the division of labor in the kitchen for granted.

Varied and healthy

Healthy eating is still on the rise. Overall, almost three quarters of those surveyed appreciate fresh ingredients and home-made dishes. Compared with the figures from 2003, this figure has steadily increased from 63 to 74 percent. Accordingly, fast food is less common among Germans. In 2003, 10 percent of respondents still ate French fries, hot dogs and burgers at least once a week; today it is only 6 percent. On the other hand, the number of people who want to cook in a low-fat, nutritious way has remained constant. More than half of Germans value it.

Trendy regional and traditional cuisine

Family recipes are currently experiencing a small renaissance. Almost half of those surveyed think it is best to cook the way they learned at home. Six years ago, this figure was still 40 percent.

Whether Swabian or Bavarian, North German or Saxon - the German regional cuisine has maintained its high status in recent years. In 42 percent of all households, local food in the form of spaetzle, bread dumplings, schnitzel, Labskaus, pea, bean or lentil stew is served at least once a week.

Together with others at the stove

The joy of cooking together has tended to increase slightly. Currently, 28 percent of those surveyed say they enjoy cooking in company. In 2003 it was three percent less. What is cooked at home is usually more familiar than exotic. Only 13 percent of consumers experiment with unusual recipes in the kitchen. Most of those surveyed, on the other hand, prefer exotic foods on the restaurant plate.

The study also revealed that Germans are relatively fond of baking. Almost a third of those surveyed do this regularly. At least 43 percent say that they enjoy baking but do not devote themselves to this hobby on a regular basis. In contrast, 16 percent of German households do not bake at all.

Source: Nuremberg [GfK]