Cooking is the ultimate green flag in South Africa according to 90% of singles aged 18-35, with 94% more likely to connect with someone on a dating app if they can cook or are interested in cooking, while 45% won’t even consider dating someone who can’t cook.

Cooking is also one of the top interests that South Africans find attractive, along with a good skincare routine (85%) and good at sports (80%). Passionate about climate change (68%), collects Items (58%) and likes Indie films, (44%) which came bottom of the list of attractive hobbies.

The new international survey, found that, 81% of respondents have cooked a meal, or learned to cook (41%) to impress a love interest, with 93% of singles more likely to agree to another date with someone after being cooked an amazing meal.

To help South Africans level up their dating game, Knorr is sparking vibes in the kitchen and launching #UnlockYourGreenFlag, a new campaign that champions the power of cooking to bring singles together. As we navigate red flags, cooking is one dating ‘green flag’ that can be relied on – that’s why Knorr is encouraging singles to show off their cooking interests by adding it to their dating profiles.

The research by Knorr, unveils the key ingredients for successful romancing, kicking off with the foundations of why we find being good at cooking so attractive. According to the survey, 40% of singles say that it shows creativity, (57%) that the person can look after others and that they’re good with their hands (42%).

Good chopping (48%), creative recipes (60%) and carving skills (20%) were voted as the most attractive cooking skills to have, while Salt Bae seasoning techniques (16%) and flambéing (6%) are a turn off, coming bottom of the list.

But singles be warned. Knorr’s survey found 23% of South Africans admit to exaggerating or lying (14%) about their cooking skills to impress a potential suitor, while 15% have even gone so far as to buy food from a restaurant or shop and pass it off as their own.

When it comes to what you should make, 9% say you can’t go wrong with a favourite like spaghetti bolognaise. Or if all else fails, at least you have a 50-50 chance with a fancy pasta dish, with 34% of singles saying it’s a great romantic date night option.

Small portions (17%), too much garlic (14%) and no seasonings (45%) were the biggest date night no-nos. And ready-made oven food isn’t any better, according to 31% of people who report it as a massive turn off.

And if you’re planning to ask a date round for a home cooked meal, offering to cook for your first date might be a little too intimidating, with 31% confirming that the third date is your best chance to shoot your shot.

 Mbali Kgosikoma, Knorr Senior Marketing Manager, said: “With #UnlockYourGreenFlag, Knorr is supporting singles by advocating for the universal green flag that we can all agree on, and that’s cooking. As your wingman in the kitchen, we’re on a mission to tell the world just how powerful it can be – regardless of whether you’re skilled or not, cooking for someone is a great way to demonstrate your creativity, while also helping you to connect with your date and show them you care.

“Our research shows that something as simple as adding cooking as an interest or skill on your dating profile can be enough to win over a potential suitor. After all, food is the universal language of love, so it makes sense that something so simple is enough to stir up some passion. So, if you’re looking for love –or just a taste tester for your latest recipe- try levelling up your game by adding cooking to your dating profile.”

As part of the #UnlockYourGreenFlag campaign, Knorr is partnering with cooking and dating experts, Lasizwe Dambuza, The Funny Chef and J Something to name a few. These content creators will be sharing useful tips and hacks in the kitchen and in real life, so that singles across South Africa can unite over the allure of cooking.

The brand will also be running a series of live events in Johannesburg to bring singles together to improve their cooking and dating skills in the flesh.

Check out Knorr’s TikTok account (@knorrflavour) to find out more about the #UnlockYourGreenFlag campaign and events.