Meals at Risk of Extinction: HelloFresh Promotes Their Recovery in 21 Days

Coinciding with the start of the school year, HelloFresh, the renowned meal kit brand, has decided to reignite the debate on the importance of family dinner. With the aim of demonstrating that it is possible to regain the habit of sitting down together at the table in just 21 days, it seeks to revitalize a tradition that has lost prominence in recent years.

Traditionally, family dinner was a daily ritual in Mediterranean culture. However, this vital moment has been threatened by the numerous demands of daily life. School tasks, meetings, and the increasing influence of food delivery apps have displaced this essential custom from family life. As a new school year begins, the risk of family dinners disappearing increases, which could have repercussions on emotional health and the quality of life in households.

Studies such as the one conducted by The Family Dinner Project at Harvard University suggest that the lack of shared dinners is linked to higher stress levels and a less balanced diet. Spain is no exception to this trend; the pressure to meet multiple responsibilities is leading many families to opt for separate dinners. HelloFresh chef and culinary expert Cristina García emphasizes that the goal is not to achieve perfect dinners but to reclaim a human and cultural gesture. “Cooking something simple, sitting at the table without screens, and looking at the person across from you is fundamental,” she asserts.

In response to the growing concern for work-life balance and emotional health at home, many families are reevaluating their weekly routines. Despite the desire to cook at home, the demands of modern life complicate this. A recent survey reveals that 75% of Spaniards have given up on family dinners during the week, citing exhaustion and lack of time as the main obstacles.

Aware of these challenges, HelloFresh has launched the “Nothing Like a Good Dinner” challenge in Spain, inviting families to commit to having dinner together for three consecutive weeks. After 21 days of this practice, it is expected that this moment will become a rooted habit. Nutritionist Paula Valiente supports this initiative, highlighting that the Spanish sobremesa goes beyond the simple act of eating. It is a space for dialogue and connection that enhances communication and strengthens family bonds.

Committing to have dinner together not only symbolizes a significant act, according to Valiente, but also represents an effective strategy for restoring an atmosphere of calm and nutrition at home. In this way, HelloFresh positions itself as an ally in the pursuit of reconnecting families with the pleasure of sharing meals and moments together.