#Japan #Tokyo #recipes #Cookpad #food budget

Overview of Cookpad's Year-End Food Budget Survey

Cookpad, Japan's leading recipe-sharing service, conducted a survey examining food budget trends amidst rising prices during the year-end and New Year period. With the survey indicating that a staggering 83.9% of participants reported increased food expenses, yet a stable budget plan has emerged, it's evident that consumers are adapting to the economic landscape.

The data reveals that approximately 57% of respondents have set their year-end food budget between 10,000 and 20,000 yen, showing little change compared to last year. This trend suggests that households are attempting to maintain their festive budgets despite growing economic pressures.

Budget Choices and Material Sacrifices

As families plan their year-end feasts, budgeting decisions have become more selective. Notably, around 21.1% of surveyed individuals have planned to forgo luxury items like crab, and 18.3% have reconsidered purchasing ikura (salmon roe), while 12.1% are skipping kazunoko (herring roe), indicating a growing reluctance to spend on high-end ingredients. Furthermore, 15.2% of participants reported they intend to prepare fewer dishes this year for their traditional osechi (Japanese New Year food).

These budgetary constraints are a direct reflection of the larger economic climate, where food prices have skyrocketed — overall food costs increased by 28.1% since 2020. Items like seafood have seen an astonishing 33% rise, placing a strain on household budgets.

Recipe Preferences and Needs

Amidst these challenging choices, consumer preferences reflect a desire for meals that appear luxurious without stretching the budget. The survey identified several key recipe trends:

• - 16.0% of respondents are looking for osechi that looks extravagant on a budget.
• - 19.1% are interested in time-efficient recipes for osechi preparations.
• - 20.6% want meals that can bring joy to children during the festive season.

This demand for affordable yet impressive options has prompted Cookpad to create a tailored selection of budget-friendly recipes for the festive season, ensuring families can still celebrate without overspending.

Recommended Festive Recipes

Here are Cookpad’s top picks for festive recipes:

Christmas Recipes

1. Christmas Tree Pasta by Ayako OOOOO: A vibrant and eye-catching dish made using spinach pasta that is accessible and appealing for Christmas parties.
View Recipe

2. Christmas Chicken by Yocchi: A nourishing recipe that yields up to 30 pieces from just two chicken breasts, using chikuwa instead of bones, making it child-friendly and easy to prepare.
View Recipe

3. Special Bush de Noel Cake by Yumied: This elegant dessert, made with readily available supermarket items, offers a festive touch without breaking the bank.
View Recipe

New Year Recipes

1. Tofu-based Datemaki by Ayako OOOOO: A low-calorie twist on the traditional datemaki, using tofu instead of ingredients like hanpen, creating a healthier and budget-friendly option.
View Recipe

2. Western-style Kinton by Machami Mama: A delightful recipe that eliminates the need for expensive chestnuts while still providing a delicious flavor profile, presenting an affordable treat.
View Recipe

3. Marinated Daikon by Madame Fika: A crisp and refreshing side dish perfect for New Year's celebrations, offering a unique Italian twist to traditional recipes.
View Recipe

Conclusion

Cookpad’s investigation sheds light on dualities in appetite for celebration and fiscal caution among consumers as they navigate the holiday season amidst inflationary pressures. While food prices may rise, the creativity in cooking and wise budgeting, as illustrated through these recipes, allows families to enjoy special moments without financial stress. As the leading recipe service, Cookpad aims to support home cooks in crafting satisfying meals that meet modern challenges.

About Cookpad

Cookpad, with its mission of encouraging households to enjoy daily cooking, operates across 67 countries and serves 26 languages through its recipe-sharing platform and various culinary services. Together with users, it strives to create a rich future through the medium of cooking.

For more information, please visit here.