More Danish children are cooking again, and families are rediscovering the joy of preparing meals together at home. A new national survey shows a steady rise in young helpers returning to the kitchen.
Children Return to the Kitchen
More families across Denmark are inviting kids back into the kitchen. According to a new report from the Danish food culture organization Madkulturen, 14 percent of families now say their children help with cooking on a typical evening. In 2022, only 9 percent said the same.
The findings suggest a clear shift after several years of ups and downs. In 2020, 19 percent of parents reported having their kids cook with them. That figure dropped sharply two years later but is now rising again. Madkulturen, which operates under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries, conducts an annual survey to track cooking and eating habits across Denmark.
The organization first measured children’s involvement in cooking in 2015, when only 8 percent participated. Since then, national projects like Arla Fonden’s cooking camps and the Danish Championship in Home Economics have helped motivate kids to explore food and cooking at a young age.
Cooking Builds Skills and Confidence
Many educators in Denmark see cooking as an important life skill. Learning to cook teaches children how to take care of themselves, understand ingredients, and appreciate where food comes from. It also strengthens cooperation and independence at home.
At Skt. Knuds School in Aarhus, children often help prepare dinner. A number of students describe making dishes such as spaghetti with meat sauce as a family favorite. Others enjoy baking, including traditional recipes like Danish butter cookies, which are easy for children to take part in.
For many families, letting kids help choose and cook meals creates enthusiasm and a sense of ownership over what they eat. Parents are also starting to see these shared moments as quality family time rather than an extra chore.
From Observation to Participation
The Madkulturen report shows particularly strong growth among children aged seven to seventeen. In 2022, only six percent of that age group helped with daily cooking. By 2025, the number had risen to sixteen percent. For younger children under seven, participation remains about the same as before.
Despite the progress, some challenges remain. Four out of ten parents say it can be difficult to motivate children to join in. At the same time, three out of ten families mention that kids’ busy schedules with sports and other activities leave little time for cooking.
Teachers and food educators emphasize that cooking should feel fun, not stressful. When the atmosphere is relaxed and creative, children are much more eager to take part. Families who make cooking enjoyable together often find that kids quickly become more confident in the kitchen.
Making Cooking Enjoyable
Many Danish parents are finding ways to make cooking time something to look forward to. Turning simple meals into small projects, like letting kids mix dressings or cut vegetables, can make a big difference. These small successes build enthusiasm over time.
Interestingly, interest in home cooking also connects with broader themes in Danish culture such as sustainability, healthy eating, and a sense of hygge. Encouraging children to cook contributes to these values while fostering practical independence.
Parents and teachers agree that learning to cook from a young age prepares children for life outside the family home. Being able to plan, shop, and cook reduces waste and gives them confidence to manage on their own.
A Positive Trend for Danish Families
Although the percentage of children involved in cooking has not yet reached the high levels seen in 2020, the current recovery marks an encouraging development. Denmark’s tradition of family meals is deeply rooted, and bringing children back into the kitchen helps keep that tradition alive.
If this trend continues, more Danish households will spend time together around the stove, learning, tasting, and creating new memories. The report highlights that when cooking is relaxed and shared, children not only gain important skills but also strengthen family connections that last well beyond dinner time.
Sources and References
DR: Several children are back in the kitchen: ‘It’s pretty cool’
The Danish Dream: How to Make Danish Butter Cookies – An Introduction to the Iconic Treat
The Danish Dream: Best Child Care in Denmark for Foreigners
