New research from Dolmio reveals that 40% of UK families are tailoring dinner to keep everyone around the table, as family mealtimes remain as important as ever
LONDON, UK (September 3, 2026) – The traditional family meal is evolving, with new research from Dolmio, the Nation’s Favorite Bolognese brand*, revealing that four in 10 families now cook at least three separate dinners each night as parents juggle different tastes, routines and dietary preferences under one roof.
The nationwide study of 2,000 UK parents found that parents spend an additional 26 hours each year preparing separate meals for their family – equivalent to more than a full day and night spent creating different dinner options to keep everyone around the table.
Families today are balancing increasingly complex dinnertimes. In fact, families now sit down to eat the same meal together just four times a week on average, while a quarter regularly cater to selective eaters.
Busier routines (33%), children having more influence over what’s on the menu (30%) and less time to cook from scratch (28%) are among the key drivers behind this shift in family mealtimes.
Despite these changes, the importance of dinnertime remains firmly intact. An overwhelming 93% of parents say spending time together over dinner is still important to their family, even if everyone is eating something different.
More than seven in 10 parents say dinnertime is now more flexible than when they were growing up, reflecting how modern families are adapting their routines whilst still making time to connect over food.
The findings come as Dolmio celebrates 40 years of helping families get dinner on the table, with the return of the iconic Dolmio puppet family. The brand has also teamed up with actress, author, and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher as part of its anniversary campaign.
Giovanna Fletcher commented: “Mama and Papa Dolmio, and the whole Dolmio family, have been iconic characters since I was a child, so I have loved being part of their return. As a mom myself, I know how precious dinnertime can be – it’s often one of the few moments in the day when everyone can come together, catch up and connect. As Dolmio celebrates its 40th anniversary, it feels like the perfect opportunity to celebrate those simple family moments that make dinnertime so special.”
Hana Hutchinson, Brand Director Dolmio UK, said: “Dolmio has been part of family mealtimes for forty years. During that time, the ritual of families eating together has evolved. While modern mealtimes can sometimes be chaotic, they are still seen as integral to family life – the dinner table is an important moment in the day to connect. For forty years, Dolmio has championed the fact that there is no rulebook when it comes to preparing dinner. Instead, it is about doing it your way, whatever is right for your family.”
As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, Dolmio is bringing back its beloved Dolmio puppet family for a new generation while championing the reality of family mealtimes across Britain. The family’s return serves as a joyful reminder that, however it looks and however you make it, mealtimes bring people together.
For further information, please contact the Mars Food & Nutrition press team at Golin Ketchum: Ket-MarsUK@ketchum.com
About Dolmio
Dolmio is the #1 Italian cooking sauce brand in UK and Ireland. The Dolmio range of Italian cooking sauces consists of over 40 products including bolognese, lasagne, pasta bakes, stir-ins, and Intensify pasta sauces, ready meals and is available nationwide.
About Mars Food and Nutrition
Mars Food & Nutrition is a segment of Mars, Incorporated, with 2,000 Associates across the globe. It has some of the world’s leading food brands: Ben’s Original™, Kevin’s Natural Foods, MasterFoods®, SEEDS OF CHANGE®, Tasty Bite®, and DOLMIO® enjoyed in more than 30 markets around the world.
Research conducted among 2,000 UK parents. Research conducted among 2,000 UK Adults aged 18-65 by OnePoll commissioned by Dolmio.
*Source: NIQ Italian Cooking Sauces MAT 11.07.26 & NIQ, Total Scantrack w/e 12.07.26
