Fifth of people in Belfast say debating what’s for dinner is the most stressful decision of the day

People in Belfast are suffering from “dinner decision fatigue”, with a fifth saying that choosing what to eat is the most stressful decision they make all day.

Over a quarter of those in Belfast (28 per cent) clash with others over what to have for dinner at least once a week, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.

The evening meal can now prompt an all-day negotiation, with households discussing it face-to-face, over WhatsApp and even through social media before reaching a decision.

The top sticking point was found to be one person ‘craving’ something different to the other (36 per cent), while 42 per cent bemoaned repeating the same meals.

Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) debate dinner face-to-face, while 36 per cent use text or WhatsApp and almost one in 10 have the conversation over social media. Of those who converse over text, an average of four messages are sent.

Other common flashpoints include someone insisting they “don’t mind” or do not know what they want (42 per cent), nobody wanting to cook (27 per cent) and choosing between a home-cooked meal and a takeaway (24 per cent).

The findings come as Napolina launches its first Pasta Stir Ins, designed for weeknights when people want a satisfying meal without lengthy preparation or another complicated decision.

The sauces can be stirred directly through hot, cooked pasta, removing the need for chopping, preparing multiple ingredients or cooking a separate sauce.

Jeremy Gibson, Marketing Director at Princes Group said: “By the time dinner comes around, many households have already spent the day making decisions. Add different tastes, tiredness, and a lack of inspiration, and ‘what’s for dinner?’ can become a surprisingly difficult question.

“Our research shows that people still want to enjoy a satisfying meal at home, but they do not always have the time or energy for a long recipe and lots of preparation. Napolina Pasta Stir Ins have been created for exactly those nights, offering a quick way to bring bold Italian flavour to the table.”

The study found 43 per cent of adults in Belfast find deciding what to have for dinner generally stressful, with a lack of inspiration and ideas the main reason for disliking the task (17 per cent).

More than a third are put off by the effort involved in cooking, while 39 per cent struggle to find the motivation after a long day at work.

One in 10 (10 per cent) even went as far as to say they feel overwhelmed when it comes to deciding what to eat.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed just 24 per cent typically map out meals at the weekend, with 31 per cent leaving it until the last minute to decide their meal plans.

Almost four in ten (39 per cent) said that, above all else, they want weekday cooking to be quick and easy.

Jeremy Gibson added: “Convenience does not have to mean settling for something uninspiring or compromising on quality. Having a few simple options in the cupboard can help households escape the same-meal cycle and spend less time debating dinner and more time enjoying it with friends or family.”

Made in Puglia, Italy, the range offers four flavours: Sundried Tomato & Black Olive Puttanesca, Sundried Tomato & Basil, Spicy Calabrian Nduja with Chilli, and Grilled Vegetables.

Each jar serves four and can be stirred through hot pasta, including both dried pasta and filled varieties such as ravioli.

Napolina Pasta Stir Ins are designed to offer an Italian-inspired meal in minutes, without the preparation, ingredients or cost associated with eating out.

Find out more about the product here.