Cooking as a Dating Factor: Why Singles Value Culinary Skills

A new study conducted by Knorr in partnership with Tinder® shows how important cooking skills are for Generation Z singles (18-27 years old) when it comes to dating. According to the results, 83% of respondents view cooking as a "Green Flag"—a particularly attractive trait in a potential partner. This means: Cooking is more than just a skill—it could decide the success of your dating life.

Cooking Skills as an Advantage on Dating Apps

More than half of the respondents (56%) say the likelihood of a match on a dating app increases if the person shows an interest in cooking. A third (33%) wouldn’t even consider dating someone who can't cook. Compared to other attractive qualities like fitness (81%) or skincare (84%), cooking ranks at the top.

The Influence of Cooking on Relationships

But it’s not just about the first impression or the first date: 67% of singles said they would be more likely to meet again with someone who had cooked a delicious meal for them. Creative recipe ideas (44%) and a personal touch in the dishes (45%) were especially well-received. On the other hand, spectacular but often impractical techniques like flambéing (15%) or the "Salt Bae" seasoning technique (17%), which became popular in 2017, tend to be less impressive.

Popular and Off-Limits Dishes for a Date

What dishes are especially likely to impress at a romantic dinner? Classics like steak (25%) and spaghetti Bolognese (25%) were the favorites among respondents. The biggest no-gos include microwave meals (38%), bland dishes (32%), and overcooked pasta (22%). If you want to impress on a date, these are the dishes to avoid.

#UnlockYourGreenFlag – Knorr Launches New Campaign

Knorr is using these insights to launch the #UnlockYourGreenFlag campaign, which will be featured on TikTok starting February 24. The goal is to bring singles together through the shared passion for cooking, offering both recipe ideas and dating tips.Julia Wilde, Marketing Director at Knorr, explains: "Just mentioning cooking in your dating profile can make a positive difference."