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IKEA's Global Study on Dining Trends

A recent study conducted by IKEA has unveiled some fascinating—albeit concerning—trends in how we eat today. The study, one of the largest on cooking and dining habits ever undertaken, involved responses from 31,339 individuals across 31 different markets. It highlights a stark shift in our dining rituals, revealing that almost one in five people now opts to have their dinner on the couch. This change reflects broader lifestyle adjustments influenced by our increasingly technology-driven environment.

Key Findings of the IKEA Study

The findings are striking: only 44% of respondents reported dining at the kitchen table, while 18% confessed to dining on their sofa. Moreover, about 4% of those surveyed admitted to enjoying their meals in bed, and another 4% stand to eat in the kitchen. These numbers suggest that traditional dining settings are on the decline, raising questions about our relationship with food and meal times.

In the UK, the trend is even more pronounced—with nearly 48% of participants stating they dine on the couch, indicating a cultural shift toward more casual eating habits.

The Role of Technology

A major factor contributing to these evolving habits appears to be the ubiquitous presence of technology in our lives. The survey found that 54% of individuals eat while watching television alone, and the number remains high at 40% even when dining in the company of others. This phenomenon suggests a growing integration of screens into our mealtime experiences, overshadowing the communal aspects of dining.

Time Constraints and Lifestyle Challenges

The study also highlighted that time constraints remain the principal barrier to home cooking during weekdays. Particularly among younger generations, 38% of Gen Z and 33% of millennials cited time as a major challenge. Households with children and those located in fast-paced urban environments reported even greater difficulties, such as limited space and inadequate kitchen facilities.

Implications for Connection

Lorena Lourido Gomez from IKEA remarked that these insights reveal how modern life is reshaping one of our most fundamental human rituals. Despite only 60% of respondents feeling that food has a vital role in connecting people, the trend toward solitary eating presents a paradox in our quest for connection. With food often viewed as a universal language of love and connection across cultures, the challenge remains to find ways to bring people together around the dining table once more.

A Shift in Dining Norms

From the American perspective, the trend reveals that individuals are almost twice as likely to eat in bed compared to other nationalities (9% versus 4%). Interestingly, Britons are almost three times more likely than the global average to report not having a dining table at home, indicating a severe shift in dining infrastructures.

The average dinner time globally is noted to be around 6:44 PM. As living spaces become smaller and more compact, the traditional notion of sitting down for a meal is giving way to habits that are more fluid and mobile.

Conclusion

The results of the IKEA study push us to reflect on the evolution of our dining experiences. While modern life presents undeniable conveniences, it simultaneously disrupts our traditional connections through shared meals. As such, IKEA is committed to putting added focus on cooking and food experiences this year, aiming to encourage individuals to reconnect around meals and foster genuine, meaningful moments in everyday life.

For more detailed insights, check out the _IKEA Cooking and Eating Report 2026_.