3 in 5 Americans wish they ate with family daily — but don’t: poll

American families aren’t eating around the table as much as they used to.

Nevertheless, three out of five people believe that every dinner should be enjoyed alongside their loved ones, a new poll found.

The Honey Baked Ham Company and OnePoll surveyed 2,000 people to find out how and with whom they eat dinner.

The average respondent said that they get to eat dinner with their kin three times a week. However, they miss the good ‘ole days of their childhood, when they would have “family dinner” around four times a week, plus another two dinners with friends.

Nearly half of people (49%) think having dinner as a family is an “important way to connect.” Another 46% agree that dinnertime creates family memories and also gives them the opportunity to learn more about their family members.

When it comes to eating with others, about half prefer to enjoy ready-to-eat meals from home (49%) or home-cooked meals (48%), followed by getting takeout (43%) and going to a restaurant (32%).

Some respondents (43%) said the clean-up process is what stops them from making the food themselves, while others said they don’t have the culinary skills (40%) or the time (35%).

The average person said that for a meal to be considered “convenient” it should take less than 33 minutes to prepare.

“We’re happy to hear that families want to spend more quality time together talking, catching up, and bonding over a delicious family meal,” Jim Dinkins, CEO of The Honey Baked Ham Company, said.

“What’s pleasantly surprising to us is how many people consider good table manners to be an important part of the family dining experience,” he continued.

The study also asked respondents about their table manners. Participants said that the most polite actions include washing your hands before you sit at the table (49%), not talking with your mouth full (46%), not slurping your food or drink (44%), chewing with your mouth closed (44%), and not making noises with utensils (43%). 

The most offensive actions include chewing with your mouth open (19%), not washing your hands (17%) and burping (17%).