The Garlic Generation Gap: Gen Z embrace garlic as survey reveals UK generational differences

According to the study, 66% of Brits use garlic at least once a week, with 7% using it daily.

Among 18 to 24-year-olds, however, that daily figure more than doubles to 17%, while just 1.5% of over-65s use garlic every day – and more than a quarter of over 65s say they use it less than once a month or not at all.

The nationwide survey highlights stark generational differences in the UK’s fondness for garlic – with Gen Z and millennials fully embracing the flavour, while older generations lag behind. Commissioned by Zyliss, the cleverly Swiss kitchenware brand, the study of 2,000 people revealed that those aged 18 to 34 are the most likely to cook with garlic regularly, with over half using it a few times a week – and one in six 18 to 24-year-olds cooking with it daily.

In contrast, older generations are far less likely to reach for garlic. Fewer than a third (30%) of over-65s use it a few times a week, and one in five (20%) never use garlic at all – compared to just 3% of 18 to 34-year-olds who say the same. Similarly, those aged 55 to 64 reported a low usage – with just 4% cooking with garlic daily, underlining a clear generational flavour divide playing out in kitchens across the UK.

The data also shows that many Brits aren’t shy about going off-recipe. More than two-thirds (66%) admit to adding extra garlic when cooking, demonstrating a widespread appetite for ramping up the flavour at home. A bold 3.5% even confess to using an entire bulb of garlic in a single dish.

Despite its popularity, garlic still sparks debate in social settings. Around 31% of people say they avoid it before important plans, with 7% always steering clear due to concerns about garlic breath. On the other hand, 23% say they don’t care how their breath smells – and nearly one in five (19%) believe the flavour is worth it regardless.

Heidi Thomas, Head of Marketing at DK Household Brands, which includes Zyliss, said: “This research confirms what many home cooks already know – garlic is one of the UK’s most-loved ingredients. It’s fascinating to see how habits differ across generations, but whether you’re adding a single clove or a whole bulb, there’s no denying garlic’s power to transform a dish. At Zyliss, we’re all about making food preparation easy and enjoyable – and that includes tools that help you get the most out of ingredients like garlic.”

Karl Zysett, the founder of Zyliss, was the original inventor of the garlic press in 1948. With the latest Susi garlic press one of the brand’s heritage products – the research was commissioned ahead of National Garlic Day to see how love of garlic had changed over the decades.

The study was conducted by OnePoll in April 2025 and surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK residents. More information can be found on the Zyliss website, here.

For more information about Zyliss, please visit: zyliss.co.uk