Trend for baking in lockdown looks set to continue

The survey by the National Association of British and Irish Millers, undertaken by YouGov, found 34% of respondents have used two or more bags of flour since the start of lockdown.

Bread was the favourite thing to bake among respondents, with 37% of home bakers adding this to their repertoire, with 7% attempting sourdough loaves. Cookies came in second place, with 34% of the home bakers indulging in the sweet treat.

Home bakers are now wanting to broaden their range, with chocolate cake (59%) and cookies (58%) next up, while 59% of respondents intend to bake breads in the future.

The survey found baking is now popular with adults of all age ranges, with 60% of 18-24-year-olds baking during the early lockdown period, 19% of 25-34-year-olds having invested in new baking equipment, or planning to invest soon, and 47% of 35-44-year-olds saying they believe it is a good activity to do with children.

Meanwhile, 26% of respondents say they find baking to be relaxing and therapeutic, and 40% of 18-24-year-olds say that baking has helped with their stress levels during the uncertainty of the lockdown period.