Almost 60% of people over the age of 45 cook from scratch almost six times a week. However, less than 40% of people under the age of 34 cook from scratch as often, a new study shows.

The survey carried out by RED C for SuperValu in February questioned 1,000 adults.

The publication of the survey coincides with a warning from the firm which makes Dolmio and Uncle Ben’s.

It says some of its sauces should not be eaten more than once a week, because of the fat, salt and sugar they contain.

Registered dietician and nutritionist at Blackrock Clinic in Dublin Dr Mary McCreery said having the right ingredients was the key to healthy cooking.

“If people haven’t shopped properly, they don’t have the (right) food there, and therefore aren’t going to cook properly,” she said.

She suggested fajitas on a Friday night as a healthy option. “All you need is your wraps, chicken, vegetables and salsa sauce. It’s a very easy dish to cook,” she said.

“You can cook much more healthily from scratch if you got yourself organised and had the ingredients in the house.”