Kiwis eat dinner earlier than the rest of the world and do it anywhere but the dining table
New Zealanders are redefining how the world eats at home, according to new insights from the 2026 IKEA Cooking & Eating Global Report. For the first time, New Zealand has been included in the global study, revealing distinctive dining habits shaped by smaller homes, multifunctional spaces and a uniquely Kiwi approach to everyday living.
The report shows that 12% of New Zealanders don’t have a dining table, more than double the global average of 5%. Instead, Kiwis are far more likely to eat dinner on the sofa (38% vs 18% globally), standing in the kitchen (7% vs 4%), or even sitting on the floor (4% vs 2%).
New Zealanders also eat earlier than most countries, with an average dinner time of 6:13pm. Nearly half (44%) eat right on 6pm, earlier than Australians (6:24pm) and well ahead of the global average (6:44pm). When it comes to how long dinner lasts, Kiwis spend an average of 28 minutes eating an evening meal, which is on par with the global average (27 minutes), with 29% saying they finish dinner in just 10 – 19 minutes.
New Zealanders also index higher than the rest of the world in eating together, seeing mealtimes as important points on connection in their way. 73% report eating their weekday dinners with someone else, versus 68% globally.
Based on more than 30,000 interviews across 31 countries — including 1,001 in Aotearoa — the report highlights how New Zealanders’ cooking and eating habits reflect a practical, flexible and comfort‑driven lifestyle. These findings build on the report’s earlier insights showing that Kiwis outperform global counterparts on sustainable food habits, including reducing food waste and cooking with home‑grown produce.
Kiwis are confident cooks who prioritise delicious dinners
New Zealanders are among the world’s most confident home cooks, with 44% saying they feel confident in their cooking abilities, compared with 34% globally. When it comes to dinner, taste matters: 71% of Kiwis prioritise delicious‑tasting meals, well above the global average of 64%.
The report also reveals that Kiwis take a highly practical approach to food preparation:
- 62% cook from scratch (vs 46% globally)
- 44% plan meals in advance (vs 32% globally)
- 40% cook for several meals at a time (vs 32% globally)
Kiwis also show a strong connection to where their food comes from, with many incorporating home‑grown ingredients into everyday cooking — a behaviour far more common here than in most countries. In fact, 36% of New Zealanders grow their own food, compared with 21% globally.
Edward Hincks, Home Furnishing and Retail Design Manager for IKEA New Zealand, said: “What stands out in this year’s findings for me is just how uniquely adaptable New Zealanders are. Smaller homes, multifunctional spaces and busy lives haven’t limited how people cook and eat — they’ve inspired it. Kiwis are confident cooks, they’re resourceful, and they’re reshaping what modern home life looks like. That’s exactly the kind of real‑world living IKEA designs for.”
About the 2026 Cooking & Eating Global Report
The 2026 Cooking & Eating Global Report gathers insights from thousands of people around the world to understand how they cook, eat, and live at home. The report aims to open up new perspectives and insights for IKEA to further support a better everyday life for the many people, by contributing to making home cooking easier, cosier, and more confident.
Now that IKEA is part of the New Zealand community, these findings highlight a natural connection between Kiwi values and IKEA’s approach to sustainable living.
Read the full 2026 Cooking & Eating Global Report.