BRITISH FAMILIES DITCH TRADITIONAL BAKING AS CLASSIC KIDS’ COOKING DIES OUT

Traditional British baking is dying out, with 89 percent of parents agreeing that classic children’s cooking skills have fallen by the wayside. New research shows children are now more likely to roll fresh pasta than rice-crispy or cornflake cakes, as families swap sweet treats for adventurous savoury dishes.

The study of 2,000 parents by Japanese food brand Yutaka reveals a dramatic shift in family kitchens. While sausage rolls (26 percent), rice crispy cakes (24 percent) and flapjacks (19 percent) are being dropped from the menu, families are instead making fresh pasta (54 percent), ramen (20 percent) and sushi (16 percent).

Over half (56 percent) of parents want their children to try more adventurous tastes, and two-thirds (69 percent) would rather their kids nibble fresh vegetables and fish while making sushi than lick cake mixture off a spoon.

These changes reflect growing health consciousness, with 27 percent of parents refusing to make cakes and biscuits due to high sugar content. Among those who do still bake occasionally, almost 9 in 10 (88 percent) would still prefer to cook more modern healthy dishes like fresh pasta (54 percent), stir fry noodles (37 percent), sushi (31 percent), ramen (25 percent) and hummus (17 percent).

To celebrate this kitchen evolution, Japanese food brand Yutaka partnered with singer and mum-of-two Alexandra Burke to create the world’s first sushi recipe book designed by kids.

The recipe book, titled ‘Seaweed Sid & The Sushi Squad,’ features imaginative, charmingly imperfect sushi designs developed by fourteen children at a creative workshop hosted by Japanese chef Yuki Gomi, Alexandra Burke, and Jessie Whealy, founder of Jessie’s Art Shed.

The result is a book that offers a fresh take on sushi through the wildly imaginative eyes of children, inviting grown-ups to embrace the messy joy of sushi-making at home.

Speaking about the book, Alexandra Burke said:
“Being a parent of two, I’m always looking for ways to maintain wonderfully nutritious meals while keeping kitchen time lots of fun. I love Japanese food, so it is a dream to work on this sushi book with all the talented young foodie artists and Yutaka. Sushi really is child’s play, it’s quick, healthy and interactive – all the ingredients for very happy children in my household!”

Commenting on the research, food trends expert Lisa Harris from Harris and Hayes food and drink consultancy stated:
“What really stands out in Yutaka’s research is how home cooking has transformed into a lifestyle choice, as well as being a practical necessity. It indicates a genuine generational shift towards making the kitchen a space for bonding, creativity, and healthier choices.”

“Food is no longer solely about feeding the family; it’s about fostering connection and adventure. That’s precisely why interactive recipes like sushi resonate so strongly with modern households.”

“The findings highlight the constant tension parents face in wanting to reduce sugar intake while recreating joyful memories that they experienced whilst growing up. Tradition and nostalgia will persist, even as families explore new flavours.”

Ken Furukawa, CEO of Tazaki Foods, a leading Japanese food importer and developer that owns Yutaka, noted:
“Kids’ cooking skills may be changing, but the heart of these family foodie moments remains the same – connection and joy. A resounding three in four parents think cooking is a great way of bonding with their children, and those parents who choose to cook with their kids do so on average six times a week. In fact, almost half (48 percent) of parents believe they have better conversations with their kids when cooking compared to activities like reading a bedtime story.”

“As sushi becomes increasingly popular among families, we want to remove the mystery and show it’s not only healthy and delicious, but surprisingly simple to make at home. By putting the power in children’s hands, we’re championing a future where sushi becomes a fun staple in British family kitchens. That’s why we’ve created the world’s first sushi recipe book designed by kids.”

The free recipe book is now available at www.yutaka.london/seaweed-sid-recipe-book