CompletedInterventional

Can recipe-boxes help families eat healthier? A pilot trial in households with children in Birmingham

This study explores if recipe box deliveries can help families in Birmingham with school-aged children improve their eating habits. We know that cooking at home more often can lead to a healthier diet. Recipe boxes might make it easier for families to prepare healthy meals, boosting cooking confidence and reducing takeaways. Researchers will ask around 150 families to join. Some will get discounted recipe boxes for 6 weeks, while others will wait. Everyone will complete online surveys and record what they eat to see how their diet changes. This project will help us understand if recipe boxes are a practical and helpful way to encourage healthier eating in families.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Cambridge

Enrolment target

150

Start

27 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

21 Jul 2025

Promotion of improved dietary quality, food and cooking skills, food agency, and capability wellbeing. Prevention of diet-related diseases (in general).

What is this study about?

Home-cooked meals are often healthier than takeaways or ready meals. Recipe boxes, which deliver ingredients and instructions, could be a great way to help busy families cook more at home. This study wants to find out if these boxes really help families eat better, become more confident in the kitchen, and feel more in control of their food choices. Ultimately, improving diets can help prevent health issues linked to unhealthy eating.

Lots of families find it hard to cook from scratch, whether it's due to time, knowing what to cook, or confidence. Previous studies have hinted that recipe boxes can improve cooking skills, make people feel their meals are healthier, and reduce the number of takeaways they order. However, more research is needed to see if these boxes truly improve overall eating habits and if they are practical and liked by many different types of families.

This project, run by the University of Cambridge, will focus on families in Birmingham and nearby areas. They'll work with a recipe box company to offer discounted boxes to some families and see how their diets and cooking habits change over time compared to families who don't get the boxes right away. The information gathered will be really valuable for understanding how we can all make healthier food choices easier for families.

Key takeaways

Researchers want to see if recipe boxes help families eat healthier.
Study is for families in Birmingham with primary or secondary school-aged children.
Participation involves online surveys, food logging, and possibly interviews.
Some families get discounted recipe boxes first, others get them later.
You can earn up to £100 for completing surveys and interviews.
The study runs from October 2024 to October 2025.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for families who live in Birmingham or the surrounding areas and have at least one child attending primary or secondary school. To take part, you'll need to have a working hob, oven, and fridge at home, as these are essential for cooking the meals provided by the recipe box.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've used any recipe boxes in the last three months, you won't be eligible. Also, the main person in the household who will complete the questionnaires needs to be able to read, write, and speak English well. You'll also need access to the internet and a digital device like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Finally, if anyone in your household has recently, is currently, or is planning to take part in another study related to diet or health in the last three months, you won't be able to join this one.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you live in Birmingham or nearby?
Do you have at least one child in primary or secondary school?
Do you have a working hob, oven, and fridge at home?
Can the main food provider in your household read, write, and speak English?
Do you have access to the internet and a digital device (phone/tablet/laptop)?
Have you NOT used any recipe boxes in the last 3 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first complete an online form to check if you're eligible. If you are, you'll get more detailed information and a consent form to sign. Once you've agreed, you'll be asked to record everything you eat for two days using an online tool called Intake 24, and you'll complete some online questionnaires.

Then, your family will be randomly sorted into one of two groups. One group will get a 6-week subscription to a recipe box company at a big discount (60% off the first week, then 50% off for the next five weeks). You'll also have the option to continue for another 4 weeks at a 20% discount. The other group will be on a 'waitlist' and will receive the same discounted offer for the recipe boxes 10 weeks after the study starts.

Everyone will be asked to complete the same eating records and online questionnaires again at 6 weeks and 10 weeks after you start. Some participants from both groups might also be invited for a short chat (interview) at the beginning and after 6 weeks to share their experiences. The study aims to run from October 2024 to October 2025.

Potential risks and benefits

If you're in the group that gets recipe boxes first, you'll benefit from discounted meals for up to 10 weeks, which could help you save money on groceries. The 'waitlist' group will also get the same discount offer later. Everyone who completes the surveys at the beginning, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks will receive up to £75. If you're invited for an interview, you'll get an extra £25. The main cost for you is paying for part of the recipe boxes if you're in the intervention group, and the time it takes to fill out surveys and potentially do interviews. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care or rights.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Cambridge Epidemiology & Trials Unit
City only
Cambridge, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a recipe box?

A recipe box usually delivers pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions directly to your home, helping you cook meals from scratch.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll be actively involved for about 10 weeks, completing surveys and potentially receiving recipe boxes.

Do I have to pay anything?

If you're in the group receiving recipe boxes, you will pay a discounted price for them during the study period. You will also be paid for completing surveys.

What does 'randomly allocated' mean?

It means you'll be assigned to either the recipe box group or the waitlist group by chance, like flipping a coin, to ensure fairness.

Who is running this study?

This study is being run by researchers from the University of Cambridge and is funded by UK research councils.

How to find out more

Noah Cooke

noah.cooke@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk +44 (0)1223 769200 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.