57% Reduce Dining Out Due to Price Hikes, 62% Feel Stress from Home Cooking. 70% Interested in 30-Second "Re-cooking" to Enhance Home Meal Satisfaction. Survey Results on Home Meals and Dining Out Released.
Due to rising prices, 57% of people are dining out less, and 62% feel stressed by home cooking. A survey shows that 70% are interested in the 30-second "re-cooking" method to enhance home meal satisfaction, highlighting a demand for improved meal quality with minimal effort.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 6, 2026 at 11:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 06:10 (282h 40m after Collected)
Rytec Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Taito-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Takuro Hirota) has conducted a survey on home meals and dining out and is now releasing the results. As a result of this survey, it became clear that while a shift towards home cooking is progressing due to the impact of rising prices, challenges related to the burden and satisfaction of home cooking are becoming apparent. Furthermore, amidst a growing need to "not want to spend effort but want to increase meal satisfaction," interest is increasing in "re-cooking" (re-processing) bought-in side dishes, frozen foods, etc., to enhance taste and experiential value with a little extra preparation.
Survey Results Summary
Approximately 57% responded, "I have reduced dining out and increased the frequency of eating at home," indicating a clear shift towards home cooking in consumers' dietary habits due to price hikes.
About 62% feel "stressed by the monotony and effort" of home cooking, indicating an increase in burden alongside the rise in home dining.
Approximately 55% want to "reduce effort but add appeal in appearance and attention to detail," showing a prominent need for both efficiency and experiential value.
Survey Details
'Home Cooking' Driven by Price Hikes
First, when asked, "Has the frequency of eating at home increased due to reducing dining out because of price hikes?", 57.4% responded 'Increased.' This revealed the reality that home dining is progressing. Among those who answered 'Yes,' the proportion was slightly higher for those aged 60 and over and those aged 20-29. For those over 60, price hikes are likely to directly lead to dining out restrictions due to limited disposable income from pensions and fixed income. For those in their 20s, their income levels are still low, and the impact of price hikes on household budgets is significant.
60% Feel 'Home Cooking Stress'
On the other hand, in response to the question, "Do you feel stress from the monotony or effort of home cooking?", 62.3% answered 'Yes.' Along with the increase in home dining opportunities, the burden of cooking has become a challenge.
The Need to 'Reduce Effort While Increasing Satisfaction'
Therefore, when asked if they have ever felt that they want to "reduce effort (washing dishes, chopping) but also add their own personal touch" or "appealing presentation" to their dining table, 55.4% responded 'Yes.' A trend of seeking to balance efficiency with experiential value is observed.
The Reality of Simple Meals Not Being Satisfying
Next, when asked if they sometimes feel a sense of dissatisfaction or emptiness even when their stomach is full after having a quick meal (e.g., microwave only), approximately 48% responded that they "feel dissatisfaction or emptiness." It was found that saving time alone does not sufficiently meet satisfaction levels.
The Key is a 'Short Bit of Extra Effort'
Therefore, when asked, "If you could enrich your meal in just 30 seconds, would you be interested?", about 70% responded 'Interested.' Furthermore, 54.9% said they would "like to try if it adds fragrance just by searing," indicating high expectations for "re-cooking" (re-processing) that enhances the dining experience in a short time.
Interest was particularly high among those in their 20s and 40s. In their 20s, 28% expressed 'very interested,' showing high enthusiasm, and in their 40s, the proportion of 'interested' was also high, indicating a strong need for "ways to increase meal satisfaction in a short time."
The More One Enjoys Cooking, the More They Integrate Prepared Foods into Home Cooking
Finally, in response to the question, "Do you feel that 'chūshoku' (eating prepared meals at home) such as store-bought side dishes or bento boxes is part of home cooking (equivalent to home cooking)?", 54.4% responded that they "feel it is separate from home cooking (a shortcut, or for when you want to relax)." This indicates that over half of respondents perceive chūshoku as an "extraordinary option."
On the other hand, among those who answered they "definitely want to try" a burner lighter, the proportion feeling that chūshoku is "part of home cooking" was 57.1%, significantly exceeding the overall average (30.4%). This suggests that individuals with a higher willingness to engage in cooking are more inclined to incorporate chūshoku as an extension of their home cooking experience, indicating a high affinity for increasing the satisfaction of chūshoku through "a little extra effort."
Upgrade Your Home Meals with 30 Seconds of Re-cooking!
This survey revealed that as home dining progresses against the backdrop of rising prices, consumers have a strong need to "not want to spend effort but not want to lower satisfaction."
While traditional "time-saving" methods are insufficient, re-cooking (re-processing) bought-in side dishes and frozen foods with "a little extra effort" is gaining attention as a new method to enhance satisfaction. In particular, the aroma and visual changes created by lightly searing the surface can produce a "satisfaction similar to freshly made" even with side dishes and frozen foods, easily elevating the daily dining experience.
Against this backdrop, Rytec proposes "searing" as a "re-cooking experience that changes the impression of your dining table in 30 seconds." Rytec is one of Japan's leading manufacturers, providing high-quality and safe products for over 80 years. In recent years, in response to lifestyle changes, we have been developing products with the theme of "delivering new experiences to daily life through fire," going beyond mere value as an ignition tool.
'Aburishi' is a lifestyle lighter born as its first product. It is a disposable burner that can be safely used in general households, easily searing the surface of food to add aroma and visual appeal, elevating everyday meals to a higher level. With a cumulative shipment of 600,000 units (as of March 17, 2026) in three and a half years since its launch. Furthermore, within the company, we established the "Aburishi Research Department," which has conducted verification tests by searing over 100 types of food so far. We have explored value enhancement through "searing" across a wide range of genres, including local gourmet foods, frozen foods, and convenience store items.
Aburishi Research Department's Picks! Products That Impressed with Re-cooking
・Commercial ice cream (especially vanilla/milk types)
By searing the surface and lightly melting it, then chilling it again briefly, a crisp caramel layer is created. You can enjoy the contrast between the fragrant exterior and the cold, smooth texture inside. Simple ice creams, in particular, become richer in sweetness and depth. This popular re-cooking arrangement transforms easy-to-buy commercial ice cream into a "brûlée dessert" reminiscent of a specialty shop.
・Store-bought sushi
Salmon, flounder, mackerel, shrimp, etc., when seared, melt the fat under the skin, creating a luxurious taste where the sweetness of the fat spreads the moment it enters your mouth.
・Baumkuchen
The surface crisps up, leading to a new dessert experience with a heightened bittersweetness and sweetness. It's a treat where the visual appeal during searing can also be enjoyed.
・Frozen grilled rice balls
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. The savory soy sauce aroma stands out, resulting in an authentic taste that becomes addictive once tried.
Previous press releases also feature rankings for each genre. Please take a look: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/searchrlp/company_id/50476
Rytec will continue to uphold "creation and challenge," proposing the joy of using fire and new dining experiences.
Aburishi Product Overview
Colors: Orange, Blue, Pink
Material: ABS resin
Product Size: Approx. 7 x 10 x 2.7 cm; Approx. 68g
Sales Site: https://rabbitrun.jp/view/item/000000000268
*Also available for purchase on Amazon, Rakuten Ichiba, at your local supermarket, home center, and convenience store.
Please contact retailers directly for store inventory status.
Survey Overview
Survey Period: March 10-17, 2026
Survey Method: Internet survey
Target: 20-69 years old
Number of Respondents: N=204
Inquiries regarding this matter
When publishing data, please clearly state the source as "Rytec." For interview inquiries or if you require additional information, please feel free to contact us at: https://www.lightec-inc.jp/inquiry/
Rytec Co., Ltd. Company Overview
Rytec has been a long-established lighter manufacturer for over 80 years, producing and selling smoking accessories such as lighters. With forward-thinking challenges and creativity, we are dedicated to developing products that serve as a light to illuminate society, crafted with consideration for our customers' lives and the environment.
Company Name: Rytec Co., Ltd.
Address: 2-13-9 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Takuro Hirota
Founded: Showa 12 (1937)
Established: Showa 29 (1954)
URL: https://www.lightec-inc.jp/
Survey Results Summary
Approximately 57% responded, "I have reduced dining out and increased the frequency of eating at home," indicating a clear shift towards home cooking in consumers' dietary habits due to price hikes.
About 62% feel "stressed by the monotony and effort" of home cooking, indicating an increase in burden alongside the rise in home dining.
Approximately 55% want to "reduce effort but add appeal in appearance and attention to detail," showing a prominent need for both efficiency and experiential value.
Survey Details
'Home Cooking' Driven by Price Hikes
First, when asked, "Has the frequency of eating at home increased due to reducing dining out because of price hikes?", 57.4% responded 'Increased.' This revealed the reality that home dining is progressing. Among those who answered 'Yes,' the proportion was slightly higher for those aged 60 and over and those aged 20-29. For those over 60, price hikes are likely to directly lead to dining out restrictions due to limited disposable income from pensions and fixed income. For those in their 20s, their income levels are still low, and the impact of price hikes on household budgets is significant.
60% Feel 'Home Cooking Stress'
On the other hand, in response to the question, "Do you feel stress from the monotony or effort of home cooking?", 62.3% answered 'Yes.' Along with the increase in home dining opportunities, the burden of cooking has become a challenge.
The Need to 'Reduce Effort While Increasing Satisfaction'
Therefore, when asked if they have ever felt that they want to "reduce effort (washing dishes, chopping) but also add their own personal touch" or "appealing presentation" to their dining table, 55.4% responded 'Yes.' A trend of seeking to balance efficiency with experiential value is observed.
The Reality of Simple Meals Not Being Satisfying
Next, when asked if they sometimes feel a sense of dissatisfaction or emptiness even when their stomach is full after having a quick meal (e.g., microwave only), approximately 48% responded that they "feel dissatisfaction or emptiness." It was found that saving time alone does not sufficiently meet satisfaction levels.
The Key is a 'Short Bit of Extra Effort'
Therefore, when asked, "If you could enrich your meal in just 30 seconds, would you be interested?", about 70% responded 'Interested.' Furthermore, 54.9% said they would "like to try if it adds fragrance just by searing," indicating high expectations for "re-cooking" (re-processing) that enhances the dining experience in a short time.
Interest was particularly high among those in their 20s and 40s. In their 20s, 28% expressed 'very interested,' showing high enthusiasm, and in their 40s, the proportion of 'interested' was also high, indicating a strong need for "ways to increase meal satisfaction in a short time."
The More One Enjoys Cooking, the More They Integrate Prepared Foods into Home Cooking
Finally, in response to the question, "Do you feel that 'chūshoku' (eating prepared meals at home) such as store-bought side dishes or bento boxes is part of home cooking (equivalent to home cooking)?", 54.4% responded that they "feel it is separate from home cooking (a shortcut, or for when you want to relax)." This indicates that over half of respondents perceive chūshoku as an "extraordinary option."
On the other hand, among those who answered they "definitely want to try" a burner lighter, the proportion feeling that chūshoku is "part of home cooking" was 57.1%, significantly exceeding the overall average (30.4%). This suggests that individuals with a higher willingness to engage in cooking are more inclined to incorporate chūshoku as an extension of their home cooking experience, indicating a high affinity for increasing the satisfaction of chūshoku through "a little extra effort."
Upgrade Your Home Meals with 30 Seconds of Re-cooking!
This survey revealed that as home dining progresses against the backdrop of rising prices, consumers have a strong need to "not want to spend effort but not want to lower satisfaction."
While traditional "time-saving" methods are insufficient, re-cooking (re-processing) bought-in side dishes and frozen foods with "a little extra effort" is gaining attention as a new method to enhance satisfaction. In particular, the aroma and visual changes created by lightly searing the surface can produce a "satisfaction similar to freshly made" even with side dishes and frozen foods, easily elevating the daily dining experience.
Against this backdrop, Rytec proposes "searing" as a "re-cooking experience that changes the impression of your dining table in 30 seconds." Rytec is one of Japan's leading manufacturers, providing high-quality and safe products for over 80 years. In recent years, in response to lifestyle changes, we have been developing products with the theme of "delivering new experiences to daily life through fire," going beyond mere value as an ignition tool.
'Aburishi' is a lifestyle lighter born as its first product. It is a disposable burner that can be safely used in general households, easily searing the surface of food to add aroma and visual appeal, elevating everyday meals to a higher level. With a cumulative shipment of 600,000 units (as of March 17, 2026) in three and a half years since its launch. Furthermore, within the company, we established the "Aburishi Research Department," which has conducted verification tests by searing over 100 types of food so far. We have explored value enhancement through "searing" across a wide range of genres, including local gourmet foods, frozen foods, and convenience store items.
Aburishi Research Department's Picks! Products That Impressed with Re-cooking
・Commercial ice cream (especially vanilla/milk types)
By searing the surface and lightly melting it, then chilling it again briefly, a crisp caramel layer is created. You can enjoy the contrast between the fragrant exterior and the cold, smooth texture inside. Simple ice creams, in particular, become richer in sweetness and depth. This popular re-cooking arrangement transforms easy-to-buy commercial ice cream into a "brûlée dessert" reminiscent of a specialty shop.
・Store-bought sushi
Salmon, flounder, mackerel, shrimp, etc., when seared, melt the fat under the skin, creating a luxurious taste where the sweetness of the fat spreads the moment it enters your mouth.
・Baumkuchen
The surface crisps up, leading to a new dessert experience with a heightened bittersweetness and sweetness. It's a treat where the visual appeal during searing can also be enjoyed.
・Frozen grilled rice balls
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. The savory soy sauce aroma stands out, resulting in an authentic taste that becomes addictive once tried.
Previous press releases also feature rankings for each genre. Please take a look: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/searchrlp/company_id/50476
Rytec will continue to uphold "creation and challenge," proposing the joy of using fire and new dining experiences.
Aburishi Product Overview
Colors: Orange, Blue, Pink
Material: ABS resin
Product Size: Approx. 7 x 10 x 2.7 cm; Approx. 68g
Sales Site: https://rabbitrun.jp/view/item/000000000268
*Also available for purchase on Amazon, Rakuten Ichiba, at your local supermarket, home center, and convenience store.
Please contact retailers directly for store inventory status.
Survey Overview
Survey Period: March 10-17, 2026
Survey Method: Internet survey
Target: 20-69 years old
Number of Respondents: N=204
Inquiries regarding this matter
When publishing data, please clearly state the source as "Rytec." For interview inquiries or if you require additional information, please feel free to contact us at: https://www.lightec-inc.jp/inquiry/
Rytec Co., Ltd. Company Overview
Rytec has been a long-established lighter manufacturer for over 80 years, producing and selling smoking accessories such as lighters. With forward-thinking challenges and creativity, we are dedicated to developing products that serve as a light to illuminate society, crafted with consideration for our customers' lives and the environment.
Company Name: Rytec Co., Ltd.
Address: 2-13-9 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Takuro Hirota
Founded: Showa 12 (1937)
Established: Showa 29 (1954)
URL: https://www.lightec-inc.jp/