Two in three parents feel pressurised to create “picture-perfect” food for their children, leaving 45% battling lunchbox guilt, new research reveals.
Seven in ten believe expectations have increased in the last year with 68% blaming social media and 34% pointing the finger specifically at influencer content.
And with #tradwife boasting more than 65 million TikTok posts showing an often-unattainable standard of domestic perfection, it’s perhaps no surprise that UK parents are struggling to keep up.
In fact, one in five say they’ve spent more than £15 to make lunches look more attractive, according to the study carried out by Warburtons.
The UK’s largest bakery brand has launched a spoof range of “beauty products” to highlight the ludicrous expectations being pedalled on social media.
Suitable for all bread types, the range promises to “plump, brighten and smooth” sandwiches with products including Volumising Feta Whip to “lift and sculpt”, and Crème de la Correct, a concealer to “transform blotchy burnt toast”. Meanwhile, Pickle Perfect Patches aim to “make dull flavours more appetising”
Sadly, none of the products are available to buy.
Warburtons has also teamed up with TV presenter Helen Skelton to prove that delicious and balanced meals don’t require elaborate preparation or presentation.
A mother-of-three, Helen has shared two of her go-to packed lunch recipes to provide some inspiration.
“When you’re parenting it can feel like there’s a constant expectation to get it all ‘right’,” Helen says.
“It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless parade of meticulously crafted bento boxes, themed snacks, and home-baked delights, but for me, the most important thing is that the kids actually eat and enjoy what is packed for them.
“A simple, tasty sandwich, made with a bit of love, is all they need. I want to remind parents that we need to cut ourselves some slack and remember that a happy, well-fed child is far more important than a ‘gram-worthy’ lunchbox!”
Jonathan Warburton, chairman of Warburtons, adds: “We understand the pressures parents are facing today, but we want to champion a more realistic and reassuring approach to lunchtimes.
“Forget the unrealistic expectations of rose petals and gift-wrapped sandwiches – we know busy parents simply don’t have the time.
“Nourishing your family should be a joy, not a burden and we want to empower parents to trust that a wholesome sandwich on our bread is perfectly sufficient, and that simple, nutritious choices are always the best.”