Reduced Holiday Gatherings Presents Challenges for Consumers and Changes How They Will Cook
GE Profile™ Releases New Survey Data and Tips for Navigating Thanksgiving 2020
COVID-19 has changed so many aspects of our lives, including how we cook. 2020 became the year that many of our human interactions became virtual and many people invite guests virtually for Thanksgiving. It is estimated that as many as four in 10 Americans will host virtual Thanksgiving parties.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, GE Profile™ surveyed consumers to find out how they are feeling about putting dinner on the table this year.
As 51% of Americans plan to shrink their holiday get-togethers, many are looking for tips to make their festivities safer, tastier, and achievable with fewer cooks in the kitchen to help.
Smaller gatherings mean people are simplifying their prep as well, including:
Smaller quantities
Easier dishes
Online grocery orders
Flexibility with ingredients due to anticipated out-of-stock items
It also means many are playing chef instead of guest for the first time:
1 in 3 plan to cook a family favorite for the first time
4 in 10 plan to try a new recipe
And, all of this reflects how we are feeling about cooking overall: TIRED!
54% of consumers are buying more ready-to-cook items, prepping meals in advance, and using the microwave, air fryer, or pressure cooker to save time.
The increased frequency of cooking, forced creativity and repeat meals has left 13% feeling bored, 11% feeling exhausted, and 9% feeling overwhelmed
* Ipsos survey, fielded on The Home Connection online research community from 9/21/2020 through 10/6/2020
“This year, while gatherings will be smaller, there will be more first-time home chefs, which can be stressful. But it’s important to remember that even if you are just cooking for a few family members, you can make it special,” said Jane Freiman, Consumer Behavior Cooking Expert, Smart Kitchen Insights Group. “Whether you are cooking family traditions or trying something new with fewer people around the table, one thing is certain–food is comforting. Everyone needs a little comfort right now.”
Sabrina Hannah, Food Scientist, GE Appliances Cooking Product Development Lab offers the following tips if you’re hosting:
Keep it outside – dress your chairs with cozy blankets and build a fire.
Dish up single side-servings in disposable cookware
Cancel shared charcuterie and opt for plated tapas style apps.
Don’t be afraid of substitutions. Get creative instead of adding trips to the store
Save water and time AND sanitize. Let your dishwasher do the dirty work. No need to rinse.
See a full list of tips for simplify cooking amidst a pandemic here:
BIO: Sabrina Hannah is a Food Scientist at GE Appliances. She spends every day testing new product ideas to bring greater efficiencies, easier use and exciting technology into people’s homes.
This tour is provided by GE Appliances
About GE Appliances
GE Appliances, a Haier company, creates “good things, for life” through our passion for great appliances and the happiness they can bring to every household. With the Monogram®, CAFÉ, GE®, GE Profile™, Haier and Hotpoint brands, people and families have more choices for making their kitchens and homes amazing each day. Our products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners and water filtration systems. For more information, visit www.geappliances.com/our-company.
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