Over half say that dinnertime is the hardest meal of the day, in terms of what they should eat – with one in 10 having daily debates with their partner over the evening meal
Over a quarter of Brits (28%) admit to being indecisive – with the average adult taking almost 45 minutes each week just to decide what food to eat at mealtimes, according to research.
As long as 37 hours a year is spent deliberating about what to serve up, with 57% saying they find it hardest to make this choice at dinnertime each day.
In fact, the survey of 2,000 adults found that one in 10 have daily debates with their partner over what should be on the menu for their evening meal.
And more than a fifth (21%) blame their indecision on a lack of time to plan their meals, while 11% struggle to find appetising recipes – and others feel they are simply faced with too much choice.
Three in 10 have even decided on a meal, only to then discover they did not have the right ingredients to put it together.
But almost half (48%) admit they raid their cupboards for mealtime inspiration, while 42% find themselves staring into the fridge for dinner ideas.
The study was commissioned by Dolmio, which has launched a new drive-thru at Sandbach Services on the M6 – the UK’s busiest service station – as well as Dinner Collection Points in London’s busiest train stations.
Each location will dish out ready-to-cook meals to commuters and travellers, to help settle dinner debates by arming them with the right ingredients.
Opening the doors to the Drive-Thru, TV and radio personality, Sam Thompson, said: “When it comes to that final meal of the day, I know the struggle is real. But pasta is my go-to comfort meal whenever I’m feeling unsure. If you’re a penne fiend like me, carbonara is the one.”
The study also found that, when it comes to indecision, 30% feel it gets more difficult to make a choice, the later in the day it is.
As such, the average adult starts to deliberate about what to eat at 15:10 each day, when “dinnertime doom” kicks in – the confusion over what to put on your evening plate. And almost half (47%) have forced down a meal they didn’t really want, just to save making a decision.
The study, conducted via OnePoll, also revealed other things the nation spends hours mulling over – including what TV series to watch, whether to have a second cup of tea, and if it’s a “hair wash day”.
Sian Galvin, spokeswoman for Dolmio, added: “Day-to-day life can be hectic, and we’re forever having to make decisions – so choosing what to have for dinner is just another thing added to our plate (pardon the pun). We look forward to inspiring our drive-thru customers this week.”
