#Sweden #Malmö #IKEA Study #Sofa Dining #Changing Habits

A Shift in Dining Habits

In a recent global study conducted by IKEA, it has been revealed that an astonishing one in five people now prefer to eat their dinner on the sofa. This intriguing data sheds light on the changing dynamics of one of humanity's most cherished rituals—dining. The study included over 31,000 respondents across 31 countries and brought forth some compelling insights into modern dining habits.

The report indicates that only 44% of participants typically eat at the kitchen table, a stark contrast to the 18% who choose the sofa, and the 4% who dine in bed. Furthermore, about another 4% eat while standing in the kitchen. This trend is particularly pronounced in the United Kingdom, where nearly half, 48% of respondents consume their meals on the sofa, highlighting a significant cultural shift in eating practices.

With technology becoming an integral part of everyday life, the survey found that just 7% of individuals live in households where no devices are allowed at the dining table. In contrast, 54% of people reported watching TV while eating alone, and an impressive 40% even do this when dining with others. The statistics convey a troubling narrative about the influence of screens on traditional meals, subtly eroding the practices around dining.

According to Lorena Lourido Gomez, the results exemplify how modern life is reshaping one of our most human rituals. She noted, “The findings reflect a growing concern about loneliness and digital distractions, even as 60% of respondents emphasized the importance of connection through meals.” Although eating is a fundamental aspect of various cultures and remains a significant expression of love, many younger individuals in particular, face challenges regarding meal preparation.

The primary barrier to cooking at home on weekdays remains the lack of time. About 38% of Generation Z and 33% of Millennials highlighted this aspect as one of their major concerns. Additionally, people living with children or in fast-paced urban environments reported increased challenges, including a lack of space and inadequate kitchen facilities.

Cultural Observations
Diving deeper into the data, it's intriguing to note that Americans and Hungarians are more likely than others to eat in bed—9% versus the global average of 4%. Moreover, the study revealed that Brits are nearly three times more likely to lack a dining table at home compared to the worldwide average, signifying a possible shift toward more informal and flexible dining spaces as living environments become smaller and more compact.

With the average dinner time globally recognized at 6:44 PM, the notion of traditional, sit-down meals is morphing into a more mobile and fluid practice. Dining behaviors are indeed becoming fragmented, informal, and increasingly adapted to contemporary lifestyles.

The insights garnered from the IKEA Cooking & Eating Report 2026 not only reflect changing cultural dynamics but also emphasize a broader narrative about connectivity through food. Amid the challenges of modernity, IKEA plans to focus on prioritizing cooking and eating together, aiming to create meaningful, shared moments around meals again. This initiative underscores the brand's commitment to reconnecting people through their most intimate rituals, helping them focus on authentic culinary experiences in a fast-paced digital world.

In summary, as our lifestyles evolve, so do our dining habits. From the sofa to the kitchen, the way we eat will often depend on various factors—be it space, technology, or social connectivity. The findings serve as a substantial reminder that even simple rituals like dining can be fundamentally transformed over time. IKEA, through its ongoing initiatives, hopes to inspire more meaningful interactions surrounding food, reflecting the essential human connection that dining represents.