A new study has confirmed what most of us already know: food made by someone you love really does taste better.
Surveying 2,000 Brits, researchers found that 34% think their mum’s cooking is the best, 40% prefer their partner’s dishes, and a huge 85% always look forward to meals made by their parents. Overall, 90% agreed that food cooked by a loved one tastes better.
The findings were backed by a scientific taste test led by Professor Charles Spence. Blindfolded volunteers tried two identical bakes – one from a loved one and one from a professional chef. Every single participant (100%) picked the bake made by someone they love.
Professor Spence said, “Love is the secret ingredient in baking. Taste is linked to memory, emotion and joy. Baking isn’t just about flavour or technique. It’s about the care and love that goes into it.”
The study also revealed that 76% of people recall fond childhood memories of baking with their parents or grandparents. Nearly 40% said baking together strengthened relationships, and 67% enjoy cooking recipes passed down through generations. Over half (52%) keep a family recipe book.
Britain’s favourite bakes were also ranked. The Victoria sponge topped the list at 40%, followed by chocolate cake (39%), apple pie (29%), chocolate brownies (26%) and banana bread (24%).
Catriona Mantle, Marketing Director at Lurpak, commented: “Whether it’s mum’s birthday cake, your husband’s cookies, or grandad’s scones, those simple bakes just taste better.”
