The arrival of a baby is among the most joyous yet demanding experiences new parents face. Whether it’s their first child or a growing family, adapting to sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and a whole new routine is a challenge that takes time, patience, and a supportive community.
Loved ones often step in to help in a variety of ways, whether by lending time, offering financial aid, or helping with household tasks. Among these, providing hearty, comforting food is emerging as a top priority for parents, according to a recent HelloFresh survey of 2,000 UK parents. The research found that 25% of respondents said home-cooked meals would be the most thoughtful gift as they transitioned into parenthood. This ranked higher than items like soft toys, storybooks, or spa vouchers.
Food subscription services were also popular, with 1 in 5 parents (6%) expressing that such gifts would ease the adjustment period.
When asked about specific dishes, parents highlighted hearty classics as their top choices. Roast dinners (30%), lasagne (28%), and fish and chips (23%) were the most popular options. Other well-loved dishes included cottage pie (21%) and soup (20%). By contrast, risotto (6%), burgers and chips (8%), and chilli con carne (10%) were less appealing as gifts.
Comfort foods by demographic
The survey revealed notable differences in preferences between age groups, genders, and regions. Younger parents, for instance, leaned towards fish and chips as their ultimate comfort food, while those aged 35–44 preferred pasta bakes like lasagne. Gender also played a role, with over a third of women (35%) opting for a roast dinner as their favourite, compared to less than a quarter of men (23%). Men, however, were more inclined to choose fish and chips, with 27% of dads favouring the dish compared to just 21% of mums.
Regionally, roast dinners dominated much of the UK, with notable exceptions. In Scotland, soup emerged as the favourite, with 41% of parents in Glasgow and 36% in Edinburgh choosing this as their top pick. In Manchester, cottage pie took the lead, with 31% of parents naming it their dish of choice. Parents in the South East of England (27%) and Wales (38%) showed a preference for lasagne or similar pasta bakes.
Expert advice on postnatal nourishment
Mimi Morley, senior recipe development manager at HelloFresh, emphasised the importance of food in supporting new parents during such a transformative time.
“In the early days of welcoming a new baby, one of the most considerate ways to care for a new parent is through nourishing meals that not only fuel the body but also support health and well-being. Nutrient-dense foods like hearty vegetable soups, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can support the body’s healing. Quick recipes and easy-to-prepare meals are especially helpful when time is short and energy is low,” she said.
Morley also encouraged striking a balance between nutrition and indulgence. “While it’s important to prioritise nutritious foods and wellness, don’t forget to indulge in your favourite dishes, like a comforting lasagne or mouth-watering dessert to bring you some extra comfort,” she added.
The survey underscores the importance of thoughtfulness and practicality when supporting new parents, with a warm, home-cooked meal proving to be a gesture that’s both practical and deeply appreciated.
