Many moms find convenience in the variety of dishes available at department stores and supermarkets. When buying these convenient dishes, do you serve them on the tray or transfer them to a plate? A recent survey found that nearly 60% of moms choose to serve the dishes on the tray to avoid extra washing. Reasons included not wanting to increase dishwashing and being too busy. However, 40% of moms transfer the dishes to plates for reasons like reheating, presentation, and etiquette. Some moms also feel guilty for not cooking, but they deserve a break. Family cooperation in meal preparation is encouraged to alleviate mom’s burden and guilt.
Ready-made side dishes lined up at department stores and supermarkets. With a variety of options available, many moms might choose to use them as they can pick the amount they want to eat. When you buy these convenient side dishes, do you serve them on the tray at the dining table, or do you transfer them to plates? In a recent survey conducted by Mama Star Select, we asked “When you buy side dishes, do you serve them on the tray or transfer them to plates?” The options provided were “Serve on tray”, “Transfer to plates”, and “Other”. We received responses from over 1,000 moms.
Almost 60% of moms serve side dishes on the tray
The majority of moms, 613 moms, or about 60%, answered that they serve the side dishes on the tray at the dining table.
“I don’t want to do more dishes, so I opt for side dishes.”
“It adds to the dishwashing, and transferring is a hassle!”
“Just don’t have time, and it’s too much of a hassle to transfer.”
The main reasons moms serve side dishes on the tray are that they don’t want to do more dishes and find transferring them to be a hassle.
“I rely on side dishes to reduce the burden of housework, so I don’t want to increase the dishwashing.”
“What’s the point of cutting corners! If you transfer to a plate, it’s not cutting corners anymore!”
The comments from these moms, expressing their strong opinions, are quite convincing.
Just under 40% of moms transfer side dishes to plates
About 403 moms, or just under 40%, reported transferring the side dishes to plates. There seem to be three main reasons for this.
For reheating purposes
“Transferring to a plate when reheating.”
“I want to reheat, so it’s inevitable.”
Depending on the type of tray, some may not be suitable for reheating in the microwave or toaster. For side dishes that need reheating, transferring them to a plate may be more common.
Emphasizing appearance
“It looks more delicious on a plate.”
“I want to improve the appearance a bit.”
“It looks bland as it is.”
Some moms seem to feel that serving on the tray looks lonely. Even if it’s just everyday dishes, using a plate may be more appealing than a plastic tray.
For etiquette & to reduce guilt?
“My mother always served on a plate, so I thought that was the way.”
“It’s too disrespectful to the person eating.”
Some people transfer out of manners. Additionally, some moms express these feelings.
“To mask the guilt of not cooking.”
“To serve as a single dish so it doesn’t look like a side dish.”
“To release the air of homemade creation.”
Moms seem to feel a sense of guilt for not cooking themselves and want to cover that up somehow. Behind this is the sense of responsibility that moms feel to provide meals for their families by taking on the task of cooking.
Moms who change depending on the day or mood
Less than 1%, or 53 moms, chose “Other”. Some moms change depending on the situation or mood of the day.
“I transfer for my husband and children but leave it as is for myself.”
There are also voices saying “Leave it as is when I don’t feel like doing dishes. Transfer when I’m up for it.”
“It depends on the contents of the side dish. Sashimi stays as is, fried dishes get transferred to a plate.”
There were also voices saying “Sashimi stays as is” for other reasons. Perhaps out of consideration not to touch raw food. Also, since sashimi is often beautifully arranged on a tray, some people may not want to transfer it to a plate and ruin the presentation.
Serving side dishes on the tray may indicate a mom’s limit for the day
When moms decide to buy side dishes, it’s clear that they have a desire to simplify housework. In other words, it could be said that “the day when side dishes are served on the tray equals the mom’s limit for the day.” Whether it’s a day when you’re not feeling well, tired, or just feeling overwhelmed, there are various reasons, but it’s natural to have those days. On days when you use convenient side dishes, it’s okay to fully enjoy their convenience, isn’t it…?
Maybe it’s okay to have family cooperation?
From this survey, we learned that over half of moms serve side dishes on the tray at the dining table. However, there are also people who comment, “If it’s just for myself, I leave it as is, but if it’s for the family, I transfer it.” Do families notice these subtle considerations and earnest efforts of moms…?
As kids reach a certain age, they can help with tasks like transferring dishes and washing dishes. And especially if there is an adult, such as a husband, it’s something that can be done. Instead of moms taking on all the meal preparation, it might be good to explore ways for the whole family to cooperate, especially when it’s challenging times. Moms serving side dishes can enjoy a meal without feeling unnecessary guilt and enjoy the dining table with their family.
Total Responses: 1,069 votes
Survey Method: Internet
Survey Month: March 2024
Survey & Analysis: Mama Star Select Editorial Team
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Article by Editorial Team, Illustration by Ponko