Mum: The Stressed Superhero of Mealtimes

In an age of smart tech, AI recipes, and meal-prep hacks, it might be easy to assume feeding the family has become a shared, streamlined task. But in 2025, one thing remains unchanged: the responsibility for family food still overwhelmingly rests on Mum's shoulders.

The Daily Weight of Feeding the Family

Across households in the UK and US, 85% of mum/moms are making most of the decisions about what to eat, compared to just 62% of dads. And that mental load is more than just logistical. For many mum/moms, it’s a constant source of emotional strain.

Over a third (38%) of mum/moms feel stressed about feeding their families. The biggest pressure point? Planning what to cook day in, day out. It’s not about the cooking itself, it’s the ongoing decision-making that can feel like a full-time job in itself.

“I’m constantly thinking, oh, what do I have to make? It becomes a chore.” – Raeyan, Mum, UK

Dads, by contrast, tend to experience more positive emotions about mealtimes. In fact, 42% of dads say they feel confident when feeding their families, compared to only 33% of mum/moms.

Love, Guilt and the Emotional Investment in Every Bite

Despite the pressure, mum/moms don’t just see food as fuel. Many are using mealtimes as a daily opportunity to show love, care and consistency, even if it often goes unseen.

“I really want them [my kids] to feel loved through the food that I make them. I want them to realize that this is a home cooked meal, mom put time and effort into this, and I enjoy it!” – Anna, Mom, US

It’s this desire to create nourishing, memorable moments that keeps many mum/moms going, but it doesn’t erase the feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm, especially when picky eaters are in the mix.

“It’s become absolute chaos, I have to make 3 custom orders, I’ve been losing my mind lately, everyone’s been so picky.” – Sara, Mom, US

Planning Paralysis: The #1 Pain Point

Mum/moms are long on love but often short on ideas. Over half (55%) say they struggle to decide what to feed their family. That cry of "What’s for dinner?" is a daily stresser.

With limited time, rising costs, and increasing pressure to provide healthy meals, the opportunity for brands to step in with helpful, stress-saving solutions is clear. From meal planners and budget-friendly food boxes to apps that suggest dinner based on what’s in the fridge, mum/moms are actively seeking tools that offer relief, not more guilt.

Today’s mum/moms are superheroes, but even superheroes need support. Whether it’s simplifying decisions, catering to picky eaters, or just helping spark fresh ideas, there’s a real role for brands that champion mum/moms without patronising them. If we truly want to support families, it starts by backing the people who carry the most weight - emotionally, logistically and lovingly.

And for now, that’s still Mum.

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