The IKEA Cooking and Eating Report 2026 pulls back the curtain on what really happens in kitchens around the world — and the results are surprisingly relatable.
The global study, based on surveys of more than 31,000 people across 31 countries, shows that while we love the idea of perfect meals and spotless kitchens, real life is a lot messier… and that’s actually okay. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Trend #1: Comfortable Chaos Is the New Normal
One of the biggest takeaways from the IKEA Cooking and Eating Report 2026 is that today’s kitchens are far from perfect — but they still work.
Globally, people cook about five times per week on average, and 82% say they enjoy cooking. However, only about one-third actually feel confident in their cooking skills. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Space is also a major pain point. About 25% of people cite lack of storage and lack of surface space as their biggest kitchen frustrations, regardless of income level. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The message? Home cooking is thriving — even when kitchens aren’t picture-perfect.
Trend #2: Taste Is Deeply Personal
The report highlights how food preferences are becoming more individualized.
Globally:
- Only 25% want to try new foods more often
- 40% enjoy nostalgic childhood foods
- Just 9% say picky eating causes food waste
Interestingly, Japan ranks among the pickiest eaters, while China reports the least picky consumers.
The takeaway from the IKEA Cooking and Eating Report 2026? What feels like comfort food to one person may be totally unappealing to another — and that’s completely normal.
Trend #3: Kitchen Pressure Is Real
Cooking may be social, but it also comes with stress.
Less than one in three people who live with a partner say they enjoy cooking together, and 7% admit cooking with their partner has actually caused arguments.
Hosting isn’t always relaxing either. About 8% of people worry about being judged when cooking for guests, showing that mealtime can sometimes feel like a performance.
The report also notes that women still shoulder more meal planning, shopping, and cleanup duties in many households.
Trend #4: The Dining Table Is Losing Ground
Perhaps the most relatable finding in the IKEA Cooking and Eating Report 2026 is where people actually eat.
According to the data:
- Only 44% regularly eat at a kitchen table
- 18% eat on the sofa
- 40% watch TV while eating with household members
- Just 7% have device-free dining rules
The average global dinner time is 6:44 p.m., and most meals last just 27 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
In other words, traditional sit-down dinners are increasingly giving way to flexible, screen-filled mealtimes.
Looking Ahead: Back to Basics… With Flexibility
Despite all the change, the future of food may actually be simpler than expected.
The report suggests many people want fresher ingredients, fewer processed foods, and kitchens that better match real life — not just high-tech gadgets.
As the study concludes, cooking and eating at home are full of “delightful contradictions,” balancing creativity, convenience, and comfort in everyday life.
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