Food triggers fond grandparent memories - Age UK study

To mark this year's Grandparents' Day on Sunday 2 October, Age UK has commissioned a study revealing the contribution that grandparents make to our lives and how some of our favourite food from childhood evokes fond memories of them.

With help from celebrity supporters, Age UK is asking Britain to celebrate Grandparents' Day and raise vital funds for our services by sharing special recipes that most remind us of our grandparents.

Which foods remind us of our grandparents?

Over half of the population said they are reminded of their grandparents by retro refreshments and nostalgic nibbles.

Of those who agreed:

• 16% cited home baking as the most likely to bring back good memories.  
• Remembered treats included rock cakes, fruitcakes and home-made apple pie.
• Over a tenth are taken back to their childhoods by a traditional roast dinner, with even just the smell of roast potatoes triggering wonderful memories from the past.

Two in five Brits said a favourite time with their grandparents when growing up was eating food together for family occasions. 

The vital role our grandparents play

Confirming that Brits value their grandparents, more than three quarters of adults said that their relationship with their grandparents was important to them.

This may be partly for highly practical reasons, given how essential grandparents often are to their families on a daily basis.

The amount of informal childcare they provide is now valued at a whopping £7.3 billion a year. But grandparents are valued for many other reasons too, including the emotional support and encouragement they offer younger family members.

Nearly two fifths of respondents believe their grandparents have taught them good manners and more than a third say that they gave them vital lessons and knowledge for life.

Rather wonderfully, a quarter felt that their grandparents had taught them a sense of humour.

Get involved with Grandparents' Day

From crumpets to crumbles, toffees to tried and tested family favourites, it couldn't be easier to hold a fundraising feast for Grandparents' Day. Simply get together with colleagues and friends to share the forgotten foodie favourites and nostalgic nibbles that most remind you of your grandparents. 

Supporting Grandparents' Day are actress Roxanne Pallet, vlogger Joe Sugg and celebrity chefs Ainsley Harriott and Brian Turner who are sharing recipes and memories in honour of their grandparents.

In the video below, YouTube sensation Joe Sugg talks about why he's taking part in this year's Grandparents' Day.