From Microwave Meals to Master Chef: Why Gen Z Should Learn to Cook

As a generation raised in the era of apps and instant gratification, Gen Z has access to more convenience than ever before. Food delivery platforms make it easy to order anything from sushi to vegan burgers with a few taps. However, the importance of learning to cook goes beyond just feeding yourself—it’s a life skill that can boost your independence, health, and even creativity. Here’s why Gen Z should embrace cooking and some handy resources to get started.

1. Cooking Empowers Independence

Moving out or starting college often marks a turning point where independence becomes key. Relying solely on takeout or ready-made meals can quickly drain your wallet. Learning how to cook gives you control over what you eat and allows you to cater to your specific tastes, dietary preferences, and lifestyle.

Think of cooking as a superpower—you’re not just preparing food; you’re building a skill set that will stick with you for life.

2. It’s Healthier (and Cheaper) Than Takeout

Restaurant meals and processed foods are often packed with hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. While convenience is tempting, cooking at home allows you to use fresh ingredients, reduce unhealthy components, and eat more mindfully.

For Gen Zers on a budget (and let’s face it, most of us are), cooking at home saves serious cash. A $20 takeout meal could be replaced with three home-cooked dishes for the same price. Plus, the leftovers mean no more scrounging for snacks at midnight.

3. Cooking Can Be a Creative Outlet

Cooking isn’t just a chore—it’s a canvas for creativity. Experimenting with ingredients, flavors, and cuisines can be incredibly fulfilling. Plus, sharing your culinary creations with friends or posting them on social media is a fun way to showcase your skills.

If you’re into TikTok or Instagram, you’ve likely seen food trends like baked feta pasta or cloud bread. Recreating these can be a fun way to get started in the kitchen.

4. You’ll Impress Everyone Around You

Let’s be real: being able to whip up a delicious meal is an underrated flex. Whether it’s impressing a date, hosting friends for a dinner party, or simply surprising your family with breakfast, cooking gives you an edge.

5. Sustainability Starts in the Kitchen

Cooking at home is often more eco-friendly than ordering takeout. By shopping locally and reducing food waste, you contribute to a greener planet. Gen Z is known for its focus on sustainability—learning to cook is a simple yet impactful way to align your lifestyle with those values.

Getting Started: Quick and Easy Resources for Gen Z

Ready to dive in? Here are some beginner-friendly platforms and resources for cooking inspiration:

Tasty by Buzzfeed
- What it offers: Easy-to-follow videos, meal ideas, and cooking hacks.
- Where to find it: Tasty Website or the Tasty app.
Budget Bytes
- What it offers: Affordable recipes with step-by-step instructions and cost breakdowns.
- Where to find it: Budget Bytes.
YouTube Channels
- Binging with Babish: Fun recreations of famous dishes from pop culture.
- Joshua Weissman: Gourmet recipes with personality.
- Pick Up Limes: Healthy, plant-based recipes and lifestyle tips.
Cooking Apps
- Yummly: Customizable recipe suggestions based on your preferences.
- SuperCook: Enter the ingredients you have at home, and it suggests recipes!
Social Media Inspiration
- Follow hashtags like #EasyRecipes, #CookingForBeginners, and #GenZCooking on TikTok and Instagram for bite-sized tips and tricks.

Final Thoughts

Cooking isn’t just a necessity—it’s a gateway to independence, health, and creativity. For Gen Z, mastering the kitchen is one way to stand out in a world full of convenience. It’s time to ditch the takeout menus (at least sometimes) and pick up a spatula. Who knows, You might discover a new passion—or at least save some cash.

So, what will you cook first? Share your culinary journey with friends, family, or your online community. After all, everyone loves a chef in the making.