Munster workers struggle to cook on office days

The increasing return to the office for many workers has had an unfortunate knock-on effect on cooking habits, according to new research.

The findings from Gousto, which produces recipe boxes reveals that the extra time away from home is squeezing evenings in Munster households to the point where almost half of working adults in the province (44%) say they want to cook fresh meals most nights, but simply don’t have the time.

The survey, conducted by YouGov, found that on office days, one-third (33%) of Munster workers report having just 15 to 30 minutes to cook dinner, with only one in ten (10%) having more than an hour. In contrast, one in five (22%) say they can cook for over an hour on days they work from home.

The shift back to the office is also reshaping eating habits. Among those in Munster based in the office some or all of the time, more than half (56%) admit they don’t cook from scratch during the week. Nearly half (43%) rely on ready meals at least once a week, and one in four (25%) now make use of meal kits or recipe boxes at least once a week to ease the time pressure.

Interestingly, while three-quarters (75%) of Irish adults across the country say their costs have increased since returning to the office, Munster respondents were the least likely to report significant changes to their spending post-Covid - only one in four (23%) of Munster respondents reported spending more overall during the working week, compared to 34% in Dublin and 39% of those in Connacht and Ulster.

“People want to cook and eat well. The challenge is finding the time and headspace after a long day at work,” said Timo Boldt, founder and CEO of Gousto.

“That's where Gousto steps in. There’s no need to stop at the shop or worry about what to make. We take care of the planning and transport, so you don’t have to. Our quick, easy recipes delivered anywhere across the country can be made in as little as 10 minutes make it simple to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal, even on the busiest nights.”

Gousto delivers fresh, measured ingredients and over 150 recipe choices to cities and rural areas each month, starting from just €5.13 per portion, or as little as €2.57 with an introductory offer. With no hidden charges and a wide range of meals designed for speed, taste and convenience, Gousto is helping Irish households reclaim their evenings.