One in four Brits admit they can't remember the last time they tried to make a brand-new recipe from scratch – for a mid-week meal, research has found.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that 32% often feel bored by their dinners by the middle of the week, with one in three frequently watching cooking videos on social media – but rarely trying out any new recipes themselves.

Nearly half (44%) claim they don't have the time, or feel too tired, while 58% think it is too much effort in the middle of the week.

And six in ten even resort to the same evening meals up to four times a week – out of habit (38%), convenience (56%), or because they are quick to make (41%).

A lack of planning also contributes to the dinnertime boredom, for 39% – as 38% of 18-24-year-olds visit the supermarket after work, and wait until they are in the aisles to decide what they will tuck into that day.

Similarly, 47% of those aged 35 and under don't usually know what they're having for dinner until they look in the fridge and cupboards after work.

It comes as one in three admit they are often bored by their dinners by the middle of the week
It comes as one in three admit they are often bored by their dinners by the middle of the week

The research was commissioned by McCain, which has teamed up with Sophie Ellis-Bextor to rescue people from boring midweek meals, with the launch of its new Baby Hasselbacks.

The campaign sees the singer-songwriter dazzling in daring outfits, and swinging atop a giant disco ball, as she saves people from a lack of mealtime inspiration.

She said: “If you’re anything like me, midweek meals can get a bit boring and repetitive. Research showed that sometimes we all find thinking of tasty and wholesome things to cook midweek challenging.”

The study, by OnePoll.com, also found that 51% wish they were more inspired in the kitchen. However, one in five admit they sometimes end up having a mid-week takeaway, and a similar number often feel guilty about the nutritional value of fast food after eating it.

Meanwhile, a further 57% said they find it tricky to find the right balance of meals that are both tasty and nutritious.

Mark Hodge, from McCain Foods UK&I, added: “We developed this product in response to insight revealing that people are often lacking inspiration for midweek meals that hit the spot, whilst also being wholesome.

“We’ve loved partnering with Sophie to dramatise how Baby Hasselbacks can add that wow-factor to otherwise boring dinners, and hope that this latest product innovation encourages people to add some sparkle and excitement to their own dinnertimes.”