Archive · 11 Nov 2025
Gen Z Embraces Cooking: A Mix of Viral Trends, Healthy Eating, and Therapeutic Rituals
Young people today, often called Gen Z, are getting more into cooking.
Many are looking up fun recipes online, especially ones that are popular on social media, and trying to make them.
Some are focusing on eating healthier by finding recipes with lots of vegetables and protein.
Others find cooking to be a relaxing way to unwind after a busy day, kind of like a hobby.
They enjoy the process of chopping, stirring, and tasting, and like making food that looks as good as it tastes.
While some cook every day, others prepare meals for a few days at once to save time.
It's a mix of needing to cook for themselves and really enjoying the creative process.
Gen Z individuals are actively cooking, driven by a mix of necessity and enjoyment.
There is a significant trend of recreating viral recipes found on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Many are prioritizing healthy eating, with a focus on vegetarian protein and exploring diverse, often lesser-known, cuisines.
Cooking is often viewed as a therapeutic and relaxing activity, a ritual for self-care.
Efforts are made to create aesthetically pleasing and flavorful dishes, blending traditional and modern cooking styles.
- Who
- Gen Z individuals, including students and young professionals from various Indian cities and one from France.
- What
- Engaging in cooking as a mix of necessity, hobby, and therapeutic activity, focusing on recreating viral recipes, healthy eating, and exploring diverse cuisines.
- When
- Daily or several times a week, often as a ritual to relax or as a necessity.
- Where
- Primarily in their own kitchens.
- Why
- To explore new flavors, eat healthily, recreate viral trends, find relaxation, and create aesthetically pleasing meals.
- Trend Focus
- Recreating viral recipes from social media, exploring vegetarian protein options, and preparing aesthetically pleasing meals.
- Cooking Frequency
- Varies, with some cooking daily, others 3-4 times a week, and some preparing meals in advance for several days.
- Motivation
- Mix of necessity, relaxation, therapeutic ritual, and enjoyment of the process.
- Cuisine Exploration
- Includes lesser-known Indian dishes, Nepali cuisine, fusion recipes, and traditional favorites like paneer masala and biryani.
- Convenience Methods
- Bulk cooking, pressure cooking, and utilizing staples like eggs, potatoes, rice, and dal.