Study shows parents are more confident in the kitchen post-lockdown

Cooking for and feeding our little ones lies among the many aspects of our lives changed by lockdown. Piccolo’s organic cooking range is here to support parents who are cooking more at home.

While at first, it may have seemed somewhat daunting to be cooking three meals a day for the whole family (including our own little food critic) for the foreseeable, a recent study goes to show that it was a challenge accepted and embraced by many parents in the UK. 

In fact, research carried out by Piccolo, one of the UK’s fastest growing premium baby and toddler food brands, shows that the increase in time spent at home meant that parents found feeding their little ones much easier during lockdown. So much so, that their babies were more receptive to trying new foods and 68% of parents said they were eating more fruit and veg in recent months – with broccoli as the go-to green! 

Time and uncertainty around what they can and can’t feed their babies are the main factors which stop parents from cooking more at home, however lockdown gave parents the chance to research and plan their babies’ meals accordingly. In these circumstances, most parents enjoyed cooking more – in fact, 78% of those who said their cooking habits had changed said they’ll carry on cooking more once lockdown is lifted.

Cat Gazzoli, Piccolo founder, says: “What we’re seeing now is a true return to more traditional, sustainable values with this huge increase in home cooking and shopping locally. Although a lot of parents were enjoying cooking during lockdown, they were also finding it difficult to come up with new ideas. 

As a mum myself, I know I found it challenging cooking three meals a day for my family. We want to continue supporting parents as best we can to encourage a more nutritious approach to feeding their little ones.”

At Piccolo, we believe in the importance of cooking as a family, eating together at family mealtimes and focusing on trying a variety of tastes and textures. Parents want convenient cook-at-home options and to be confident that they have been specially formulated to suit babies’ nutritional needs. Our infant nutritionist approved cooking range meets this need, and we’ve now launched our new palm oil free stock sachet, which has absolutely no added salt or sugar whatsoever, but still pack the same great taste.

 

“Like myself, lots of parents are becoming more aware of the importance of health from an early age - in fact, a recent survey showed 55% of our customers choose our cooking range because of its low salt and sugar content. The launch of our new stock sachet powder will really appeal to those looking for healthy options,” Cat says.

Our research found that lots of parents prefer to batch-cook and freeze to save on time. This will be especially important as we return to work and factor in time for commuting and socialising. We also discovered that 41% of parents find it difficult coming up with new ideas for their babies; simple and healthy recipes are a priority, as well as recipes to try out with the kids. 

That’s why we have a wide range of baby food recipes to complement our cooking range and support other parents in their home-cooking adventures, throughout and beyond lockdown.

Piccolo Organic makes healthy (and very tasty) baby meals, cooking products and snacks to help you get the balance right every day. The brand is partnered with City Harvest and Little Village, and gives 10% of its profits to charity. Available in all major retailers and its online store. www.mylittlepiccolo.com

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