The Rise of 'Unwrapped' Recipes: A Family Trend on Cookpad

Cookpad Inc., which operates Japan’s top recipe service, has found that searches for 'unwrapped' recipes, such as 'unwrapped shumai' and 'unwrapped gyoza,' have surged over sixfold between 2015 and 2025. This trend reflects a growing demand among dual-income families looking to create meals together during their limited free time, especially on Saturdays at 5 PM.

Summary of Findings

- Over 70% of households are now dual-income.
- The average time spent on meal preparation has decreased by about 10 minutes between 2016 and 2021.
- The popularity of 'unwrapped' recipes has skyrocketed during the same period, expected to accelerate further after 2024.
- User comments have shifted focus from 'easy' to emphasizing 'family togetherness' and shared cooking experiences.
- Cooking methods that are approachable and enjoyable for both parents and children are becoming popular family activities during weekends.

The Shift in Family Time Priorities

The increase in dual-income households has led to a significant decrease in time available for meal preparation, an average of 10 minutes less per session according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. This change indicates that parents are faced with crucial decisions on how to allocate their limited time. As budgets for entertainment and leisure become tighter, the value of spending time cooking with children at home is increasingly prioritized.

The growing demand for cooking methods that minimize the chances of failure and allow for meaningful participation from children is not merely a trend but highlights an existing desire to strengthen family bonds even in busy schedules. Many families are turning to 'unwrapped' cooking techniques, demonstrating a keen interest in spending enjoyable time together over the weekend.

Efficiency in the Era of Dual-Income Households

According to the Ministry's labour force survey, dual-income households surpassed 70% in 2022. Despite this increase, the average time allocated for managing meals has been significantly reduced, reflecting the struggles families face when trying to balance work and family life.

Data from the Ministry's social life survey shows a clear decline in meal management time for working parents aged 25-54, revealing persistent challenges in how to efficiently deliver quality and timely meals despite their new schedules.

Cultural Significance of Cooking Together

The tradition of families making dumplings together to welcome a new year is prevalent in northern China, symbolizing unity and prosperity. This longstanding cultural practice of cooking together resonates across generations. As dual-income households adapt to contemporary time constraints, innovative cooking methods like 'unwrapped' dishes are emerging to enhance family experiences.

Engaging in cooking activities that encourage family participation creates opportunities for social interaction and provides an essential way of preparing for the week ahead while ensuring everyone enjoys the meal together.

The Purpose Behind the 'Unwrapped' Search Trend

In today’s time-constrained environment, especially where work-life balance is key, there is a growing need for quick and foolproof cooking methods that save time and reduce stress. 'Unwrapped shumai' and 'unwrapped gyoza' meet this need by providing functional solutions that not only address cooking speed but also encourage family engagement.

The peak search activity noted at 5 PM on Saturday indicates parents are actively seeking out recipes that they can prepare collaboratively with their children as part of weekend meal prep routines.

Expanding 'Unwrapped' Recipes on Cookpad

Cookpad boasts a myriad of user-generated 'unwrapped' recipes that are being embraced in households across Japan. Various cooking methods such as frying, hot plates, or microwave use are being adapted to effectively meet diverse family needs.

Families are utilizing frying pans for traditional cooking, hot plates for batch cooking, or microwaves for quick and easy meal preparation—all demonstrating varied methods that suit the demands of their schedules.

Analyzing User Comments: A Shift from Efficiency to Family Time

Recent analyses of user comments on 'unwrapped' recipes on Cookpad show a notable shift in sentiments over time. In 2022, there were significantly more comments focused on efficiency, such as 'easy' or 'convenient', while references to family engagement were notably fewer. By 2025, the outlook had altered substantially, with an increased focus on meal experiences with families indicating a transition towards valuing family time.

Users are beginning to appreciate the moments of cooking together as much, if not more, than the benefits of streamlined processes. The shift in sentiment signifies a broader understanding of family mealtimes as special opportunities for connection and togetherness.

Conclusion

The ongoing changes in dual-income households illustrate a deeper transformation beyond mere statistics: they denote the daily choices families must make amid hectic schedules. Cookpad users strive to create smiles among family members with culinary experiences, especially through 'unwrapped' shumai or gyoza.

As methods become simpler and more inclusive, it reflects the changing dynamics of how families navigate meal preparation in a dual-income society. By sharing innovative ideas on Cookpad, families in similar situations can inspire and assist each other in creating memorable cooking experiences at home. Cookpad remains committed to fostering such environments where culinary creativity and shared experiences flourish.

About Cookpad

Cookpad Inc. is a technology-driven company focused on making daily cooking enjoyable. Operating in 67 countries and 26 languages, it provides services including the recipe sharing platform 'Cookpad', AI cooking coaching through 'moment', and fresh food delivery service 'Cookpad Mart'. Cookpad aims to enrich future societies and lives through the joy of cooking.