The survey has revealed a large proportion of respondents are making ‘extensive changes’ in order to cut costs as the cost of living continues to rise.
The rising cost of energy bills has had an impact with 23% saying they use the oven less and microwave more (21%) when cooking. Among those who cook, 26% claim they are less likely to cook a Sunday roast and 20% are not baking as many cakes.
Planning meals in advance (28%) and batch cooking (23%) were two of the most popular ways people felt they could control costs, as well as 20% of people saying they specifically looked for money off stickers on food when shopping.
Takeaways and eating out look to be in decline with 34% of people saying they have stopped buying or are buying fewer takeaways and 31% say they are eating out less.
Christine Hayes, editor in chief of BBC Good Food, said: “These findings reveal the extent to which rising food prices and energy costs have impacted on the way the nation eats in a relatively short space of time. Traditional cooking methods, the oven and the hob, are being switched off in favour of appliances that use less energy, and shopping baskets and mealtimes at home are looking very different.
“People have told us they are eating out less and ordering fewer takeaways, and more children are taking packed lunches to school. It’s also become clear that people are very conscious of not wasting food and are looking for ways to use up leftovers and be creative with the ingredients they have.”
For more 2022 Good Food Nation results, visit here.