May 16/Wilmington, Del./PRNewswire -- A growing number of U.S. consumers are taking to their kitchens to cook more frequently, and trying new and more nutritious foods, in an effort to reduce food bills and perhaps their waistlines. These findings are among the results of a recent DuPont Teflon brand “Be Cook Aware” consumer survey, conducted to understand how the past year's trends have impacted America's cooking and eating behaviors at home.

"Societal and economic shifts such as the fluctuating economy, combined with evolving national demographics and the introduction of new nutritional guidelines, are likely to have heightened people's awareness of the need to evolve eating and cooking behavior," said Christa Kaiser, global segment manager, Teflon nonstick coatings systems. "Consumers are living smarter and healthier, and having more fun in the process while seeking out resources to help them make these changes."

Compared to this time last year consumers have changed how they cook and eat in their home:
72% indicated ways in which they have changed how they cook and eat in their home:
37% reported they are cooking more often
26% are experimenting more with food
23% are eating more natural or organic foods
89% of consumers are paying more attention to price and nutritional value when making food decisions:
73% named price as a factor in grocery shopping
52% report fresh ingredients at the top of the list of what's important to them, 49% say foods with less fat

The survey also indicates that increased attention to health and price are not limiting consumers' imagination in the kitchen:
59% have sought cooking inspiration from online recipes, cookbooks, recipes from family and friends, cooking shows and mobile apps.
40% say cleaning up after cooking is their biggest kitchen challenge followed by preparation time (26%)
The most commonly used cookware is nonstick (66%), followed by stainless steel (48%) and cast iron (23%).

 From the May 17, 2012, Prepared Foods’ Daily News