Small Batch Cooking Gaining Momentum

So long “Super Size Me.” These days, a little goes a long way. Several factors are driving interest in small-batch cooking, and consumers are looking for products and recipes to help support the trend.

Smaller Households

The average U.S. household size has been slowly decreasing for years. But the growth in singles living alone has been especially significant. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 39.7 million one-person households in 2025, accounting for 29% of all households. Track back to 1975, and singles accounted for only 20% of all households.

Those looking to cook in smaller batches could be singles of any age, but also couples who are empty nesters or retirees. Of special note: The portion of single householders age 65 and older rose from 1 in 5 in 1975 to over 1 in 4 in 2025.

Taking Food On-The-Go

Another factor driving a desire for smaller portions is growing interest in taking homemade food on-the-go. Smaller portions are easier to transport and save the extra step of being divided up for portable meals or snacks.

The 2025 International Housewares Association (IHA) State of the Industry Report found that 58% of consumers plan to cook more at home this year. (Only 1% plan to cook less.) While cost-savings was the most cited reason (61%), the desire to eat more healthily was a close second at 59%.

Impact of GLP-1s

And don’t forget the growing impact of GLP-1s. About one in eight adults (12%) say that they are currently taking a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic or Wegovy, according to a recent poll from KFF, an independent source for health policy, polling and news.

Whether taken for managing diabetes or specifically for weight loss, GLP-1s tend to decrease appetite and reduce food cravings. What’s more: It’s predicted that more people will start taking these medications now that prices are starting to come down.

Recipes and Products to Support

So how can savvy retailers support shoppers looking for small-batch solutions? To start, make sure to offer and spotlight a variety of products that support small-batch cooking. That can literally mean smaller cookware items like Hawkins Mini Casserole Dishes or the Taku Ironware Two-in-One Multi-Cooker by Solas Marine – the ideal size for singles or couples.

But it also can mean products that allow consumers to prepare their standard-size recipes in smaller portions that are easier to transport or freeze. (See the Mini Loaf pan by USA Pan below.) And don’t forget smaller storage containers like the (re)zip Mini Stand-Up ones by KAF Home.

For extra support, consider offering cookbooks that offer small-batch solutions or better yet – sharing your favorite small-batch recipes for inspiration.