In a new survey from food box delivery company, HelloFresh, cooking has emerged as one of the top priorities across all demographics, cementing its importance for connection, even in modern relationships.
Cooking and good financial habits remain the gold standard for relationship skills in 2025. As the data reveals, shared meals and smart money choices are not just practical, they’re the ingredients for lasting love.
UK’s Most Valued Skills in a Partner
- Good with Money
- Cooking
- DIY/Handy Skills
- Organisational Skills
- Good with Technology
- Fitness/Health Knowledge
- Speaking Multiple Languages
- Creative Skills
- Good with Cars/Mechanical Skills
The results showed that cooking was the second most valued skill in a partner only slightly behind being money savvy. While being good with cars sat at the bottom of the list just below creative skills.
The survey also revealed that over half of both men and women agreed that cooking together is the ultimate date night activity.
The results highlighted that men prioritise cooking more than women with more than a third (34%) of men ranking it as their top skill, compared to under a quarter (24%) of women.
However, it appears that age plays a role in shaping preferences. Younger respondents (18-24) prioritise cooking significantly more, with 34% ranking it first. By contrast, only 19% of respondents aged 65+ placed cooking as their top priority.
“This survey shows that the kitchen is not just where meals are made, it’s where bonds are formed,” says HelloFresh’s Senior Recipe Development Manager, Mimi Morley. “Our recipes are designed to ensure everyone can whip up a tasty treat, even if you don’t think you’re a natural-born cook. We simplify steps, make them accessible, and reduce the complexity of ingredients to ensure good food is as easy as possible to create in the comfort of your home.”
Visit HelloFresh for recipes to fine-tune your cooking skills or create the perfect date night.
