As the weather heats up, ready-made meal provider Youfoodz has taken a closer look at how Australians are dining this summer. The Youfoodz Aussie Summer Meal Trends Report surveyed 500 Australians, uncovering the seasonal favourites dominating tables across the country. From BBQs to refreshing salads, the findings showcase how Aussies are balancing tradition, convenience, and fresh flavours this summer.

Youfoodz’s research reveals that BBQs remain the top choice for summer meals, with 40% of respondents naming it their favourite. The enduring appeal of grilled dishes is strongest among men (50%) and larger households of five or more (51%). These gatherings highlight the social and family-friendly nature of BBQs, making them a quintessential part of the Australian summer.

Seafood is another summer favourite, selected by 21% of Australians, particularly Baby Boomers (65–75), who value its light and fresh appeal. Salads also shine, with 18% of respondents preferring them as a health-conscious and refreshing option, especially among women (26%) and older Australians aged 55–75.

Generational preferences paint a unique picture of Australian summer dining. While Baby Boomers gravitate toward seafood, younger Australians (18–24) embrace indulgent desserts and refreshing smoothies as their go-to treats. Millennials (35–44) are enthusiastic BBQ fans, combining social gatherings with family-friendly meals.

Regional trends also add flavour to the nation’s summer table. Tasmania leads the way in dessert consumption, while the ACT confirms its status as a BBQ hotspot, with 75% of residents choosing grilled dishes as their top summer meal.

Australians were also asked to rank their favourite Youfoodz dishes for summer. From smoky classics to Mediterranean-inspired creations, the top meals include:

1. Smokey BBQ Chicken with Potato Salad

2. Buffalo Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese

3. Chicken Burrito Bowl with Avocado Salsa Verde

4. Mediterranean Lamb with Loaded Couscous

5. Greek Chicken with Zesty Potatoes & Beans 

Hannah Gilbert, Senior Director of Product Development, Customer & Product Strategy – HelloFresh Group ANZ, shared how Youfoodz is meeting Australians’ summer dining needs:

“At Youfoodz, we’re dedicated to making healthy eating easy and accessible for all Australians. Our ever-changing menu of fresh, ready-made meals reflects the nation’s love for variety and flavour, with options that cater to every lifestyle.”

“As we enter the new year, we know many Aussies are looking to reset after the festive season, and our portion-controlled, fresh meals make it simple to enjoy nutritious and delicious food. Whether it’s a BBQ classic or a Mediterranean-inspired dish, we’re here to make summer dining effortless and satisfying.”

For more information and insights about the Aussie Summer Meal Trends research, you can access the full findings here.