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AgriNotes & News is published weekly by the Michigan Farm Bureau Information and Public Relations Division.

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Extra: Who's Cookin'? Young consumers!

Contact: Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023

LANSING, May 20, 2010 - A ConAgra Foods survey reveals a newfound love of cooking in young Americans.

The survey found that half of Americans (52 percent) say they expect to cook more in the coming year than they did last year, but among younger consumers, the trend is even stronger. Seventy-two percent of those ages 18 to 34 say they will cook more.

The survey also found that 71 percent of younger Americans have started cooking new dishes, although 59 percent say they do not always know what they are doing and that they would like to be better cooks. Still, they enjoy cooking more so than the general population, 75 percent compared to 61 percent.

One reason, according to ConAgra Foods, may be that younger consumers believe cooking increases quality family time. Eighty-one percent say cooking is bringing their family together, compared to just 68 percent of the general population.

Meals-at-home, frugal shopping habits post recession
The survey also shows that the recession continues to impact the way people shop for and prepare food and, even as tough times subside, consumers find their new frugal habits hard to break. In fact, of those who made changes to their food shopping or preparation habits, most of those changes will continue into the coming year as highlighted here.

• In the past year, 75 percent of Americans have cooked more meals at home and they say they will continue to do so.
• Four-in-five (79 percent) say they will continue to focus on saving by using coupons, store specials or a budget, and two-thirds (63 percent) will continue to cut back on premium purchases.
• Two-thirds (67 percent) of those surveyed say they have enjoyed becoming more of a bargain hunter.
• Half (49 percent) of those already making cutbacks will freeze more meals, and two-in-five (38 percent) will continue to stretch meals.
• About one-third of consumers have sought to save money by stretching out meals with water or canned foods, or by buying more frozen or prepared meals.
  
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