CHICAGO — The use of slow cookers to prepare meals is expected to grow by 16% over the next 10 years, while grilling will grow 11%, according to a report issued Monday by market research firm The NPD Group, based here.
NPD’s “A Look Into the Future of Eating” report notes that stove tops and microwaves will continue to be the most common appliances used in meal preparation.
“Just as it has done over the last three decades, the need for convenience in meal preparation will continue to grow over the next decade,” NPD said.
In the last 10 years, the use of slow cookers has increased 36% and grilling is up 42%, according to NPD’s latest National Eating Trends survey.
Other findings:
• 59% of consumers’ main dishes at dinner were made from scratch in 2010, vs. 72% in 1980.
• The average number of food items per meal has decreased to 3.5 in 2010, down from 4.4 in the 1980s.
• The percent of meals cooked by a microwave has doubled since the 1980s.
• Households using a slow cooker at least once in a two-week period rose 67% from the 1980s to 2010.
• Over one-third of American households use a grill to make a meal at least once in a two-week period.
