IKEA’s 2026 Cooking & Eating Global Report
IKEA has released its 2026 Cooking & Eating Global Report, and for the first time since opening, New Zealanders were included in the global study.
From reducing food waste to choosing seasonal produce and growing food at home, this new IKEA report shows exactly where New Zealanders outperform their global counterparts in sustainable food habits.
Well above the global average, 69 percent of Kiwis consciously try to reduce food waste (vs 63 percent globally), are significantly more likely to use food storage to keep their food fresh for longer (47 percent vs 26 percent), and are world leaders in cooking with home-grown food (36 percent vs 21 percent).
Based on a survey of over 30,000 people in 31 countries, including 1,001 interviews in New Zealand, the report offered fresh insights into how people cook and eat around the world, with New Zealanders demonstrating standout sustainability habits in their day-to-day.
In addition to a mindful focus limiting food waste, Kiwis also plan and shop for food differently; 63 percent prioritise reusable shopping bags (global average: 55 percent), 44 percent take time to plan meals (global average: 32 percent) and almost one in two do one big weekly shop, as opposed to multiple visits to the grocery store (global average: 33 percent).
Across many measures, Kiwis demonstrate stronger sustainability habits than the global average:
48 percent use energy-efficient appliances (global average: 38 percent)
47 percent buy seasonal produce (global average: 38 percent)
30 percent buy fewer packaged products (global average: 25 percent)
40 percent cook or prepare food for several meals at a time (global average: 32 percent)
62 percent cook from scratch (global average: 46 percent)
64 percent think throwing away food is a waste of money (global average: 56 percent)
The report highlighted that New Zealanders are already making thoughtful choices, such as reducing food waste, planning meals, and keeping food fresher for longer.
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