Britons stick to an average of only five meal recipes on rotation, according to new research by Morrisons.

Of the 1,000 people polled almost half (49 per cent) admitted to being stuck in a severe repeat meal rut consuming the same meals week after week. Over half (55 per cent) said they still consume the exact same meals that they were eating ten years ago.

Demanding lifestyles bear the brunt of the blame with 46 per cent citing a lack of time as the main restriction to cooking. A third of Brits admit they are only able to spend 20 minutes or less each day on meal preparation, meaning these unadventurous eaters are sticking with what they know.

Despite producing some of the world‘s greatest chefs, most Brits believe they are terrible in the kitchen. Half of respondents describe their cooking skills as ‘average‘ or ‘below average‘ and 19 per cent site this as the main reason they are stuck in a rut.

Neil Nugent, Morrisons executive chef of product development, said: “We‘re often creatures of habit and it‘s understandable that many of us stick to what we know, particularly as working hours and family commitments increase.”

The research, which coincides with the launch of the new Morrison‘s M Kitchen range, found that almost a quarter (22 per cent) are unlikely to ever attempt to cook a new type of cuisine as they prefer to stick to traditional British meals such as roast beef, bangers and mash and shepherd‘s pie.