Major boost in microwave meals as Britons cut down on cooking costs

Britain sees major boost in microwave use as cash-strapped consumers try to cut down on cooking costs, research says

• Year-on-year rise in microwave meals rose 8 per cent in the 12 weeks to June 11 
• It comes as cash-strapped Britons look for ways to cut down on cooking costs 

Cooking with microwaves is on the rise as cash-strapped consumers try to save money, research suggests.

Year-on-year figures show an 8 per cent increase in the number of meals prepared in microwave ovens in the 12 weeks to June 11.

It comes as householders try to cut back on energy bills after prices soared in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Tests have revealed microwaves use far less energy than conventional ovens.

Millions are switching to cheaper value foods, using ovens less and cooking simpler meals with fewer ingredients to save money. The research also shows that supermarket price inflation is running at 16.5 per cent – down from 17.2 per cent last month.

Year-on-year figures show an 8 per cent increase in the number of meals prepared in microwave ovens in the 12 weeks to June 11

But even with the small drop, nearly 70 per cent of households are either ‘extremely’ or ‘very worried’ about the cost of putting food on the table. And families have been warned of a summer barbecue price premium, with sausages up 16 per cent and burgers up 13 per cent.

The data comes from retail analysis firm Kantar, which said many will be relieved the increase of 16.5 per cent is the lowest seen this year. But its head of consumer insight, Fraser McKevitt, said: ‘Prices rising at 16.5 per cent isn’t something to celebrate – it’s still the sixth-highest monthly figure in the past 15 years.’

He said people were taking a series of measures to protect their budgets, adding: ‘Savvy shoppers have been continuing to swerve the full force of price increases, with many switching to the cheapest own-label lines.’ As a result, total spending on these value ranges has rocketed by 41 per cent compared with last year. This shift saw annual sales at Aldi surge by 24.6 per cent with Lidl up 23.2 per cent.

Kantar said changes in how people choose to eat and cook at home, including switching from the traditional oven to microwaves and air fryers, has been reflected in sales.

Mr McKevitt said: ‘There were 4 per cent fewer meals made using an oven compared to the same period last year, while microwaved meals rose by 8 per cent. We also saw a rise in food prepared with toasters and grills.’

Sue Davies, from Which?, said: ‘These figures show that while food inflation is slowing, we’re now measuring against last year’s high prices which have been hammering the household budgets of millions who have been skipping meals for many months to make ends meet.’

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