Dutch people prioritize convenience in cooking, opting for shortcuts to free up time for other activities. According to Knorr's survey of 12,000 consumers across six European countries—including over 2,000 Dutch respondents—23% heat up food or use partly prepared dishes. In contrast, just 5% of Poles and Spaniards choose this easy route. The British lead as Europe's quickest cooks, with 76% preparing dinner in 30 minutes or less. Meanwhile, the French and Spaniards dedicate over 30 minutes to prep and another 30 at the table.
This Knorr study primarily explored European attitudes toward sustainable food. Notably, 65% of respondents believe sustainably grown vegetables, herbs, and spices taste better, and 98% agree farmland should be managed thoughtfully for future generations. However, trust in sustainability labels varies widely. Only 16% of Dutch consumers—and 17% of Germans—view 'sustainable' labeled food as genuinely sustainable, compared to 36% of Spaniards.
Family involvement in daily meal prep also differs by country. In Poland, 57% see multiple family members pitching in as normal, while in Spain and the UK, about 80% report one person—often the household lead—cooking alone in the evenings.
When Dutch cooks experiment abroad, Italian cuisine tops the list, followed surprisingly by Middle Eastern dishes. On average, they prepare meals in 30 minutes and enjoy fresh-ingredient-based dishes at least three times weekly. Among surveyed nations, the Dutch dread post-meal cleanup most, with 19% always avoiding it.
