Gen Zers don’t cook. It’s costing them.

Reasonably Optimistic

22 HOURS AGO

Overview Shownote Highlights Transcript Chapters Pins

Shownote

Eating food cooked at home has traditionally been considered a cheaper option to ordering takeout. So why are so many in Gen Z choosing food away from home? Host Megan McArdle explores how convenience, changing expectations and the modern economy have tran...

Highlights

This podcast explores the surprising financial and cultural reasons why many young people today choose takeout over home cooking, challenging the traditional view that cooking at home is always the cheaper option.

00:10

Cooking cheaply is possible and even enjoyable.

05:17

Cooking at home saves money over time.

13:46

Immediate gratification from affordable takeout outweighs long-term financial health

17:11

Cooking can help create an internal locus of control

Chapters

Is Gen Z Really Lazy About Cooking, or Is This an Old Complaint?

00:00

Debunking the Excuses: Does Home Cooking Actually Save Money?

05:17

Why Has the Bar for a 'Good Meal' Been Raised So High?

10:50

The Real Culprit: Why Does Instant Gratification Win Over Future Savings?

17:11

Transcript

Megan McArdle: I saw this clip on social media that I want to share with you. Take a listen. I can't stand it when I see kids that are making $70,000 a year spending $28 for lunch. I mean, that's just stupid. Think about that in the context of that being p...