Aim
Understanding culinary habits and nutritional knowledge is essential for promoting healthy eating practices within a population. This study explores the relationship between culinary habits, nutritional awareness, and healthy eating practices in the Spanish population, considering sociodemographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, collecting data from 1534 participants through an online validated questionnaire. Variables included frequency of cooking, use of healthy and unhealthy cooking techniques, culinary knowledge, and indicators such as age, gender, education level, and living arrangements. Statistical analyses, including Kendall's Tau-b correlations and Mann-Whitney U tests, were performed to evaluate relationships and group differences.
Results
Findings revealed that 59.1 % of participants cook daily or almost daily, with an average cooking time of about an hour and a half. Women demonstrated significantly higher cooking frequencies (Mean = 4.25, p < 0.001) and healthier cooking techniques (Mean = 4.00, p < 0.001) compared to men. Adults also cooked more frequently (Mean = 4.26, p < 0.001) and for longer durations than younger individuals. Culinary knowledge scores ranged from 58.5 (SD = 17.6) in men to 62.5 (SD = 16.5) in women (p < 0.001), with higher education positively associated with knowledge (Mean = 62.5 vs. 59.3, p < 0.001). Significant Kendall's Tau-b correlations (p < 0.001) were observed between healthy culinary habits and knowledge variables, with coefficients frequently exceeding 0.50. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of culinary knowledge in promoting healthier cooking practices and highlight socio-demographic disparities. The study suggests that tailored interventions focused on cooking education could improve dietary behaviors and public health outcomes. Cooking education programs may serve as a key public health strategy by fostering healthier eating habits, improving nutritional literacy, and reducing diet-related diseases. Future research should examine causal relationships and cultural influences to develop effective, evidence-based culinary interventions.