“Britain is head over heels for Indian flavours."
A quarter of Brits are now eating Indian dishes and snacks more than 100 times a year, according to a new survey.
The study of 2,000 adults revealed that the average Brit cooks 32 curries annually.
Onion bhajis and samosas top the snack list. Meanwhile, 30% of fans are ordering at least 24 Indian takeaways each year – that’s almost one every other week.
Tikka masala, korma, and biryani are the most popular main meals.
But this spicy preference comes at a cost to traditional British cuisine.
The research found that 54% of respondents say Indian flavours have directly influenced how they eat. And 9% now consume more Indian-inspired food than they do British classics.
Another 16% say they’ve struck a balance between both.
A spokesperson from Peperami, which commissioned the research and has just launched a new chicken tikka skewers range, said:
“Britain is head over heels for Indian flavours.
“With a quarter of us tucking into spicy snacks and dishes over 100 times a year, it’s clear we’re a nation that craves more excitement on our plates.
“Plain, boring foods that taste like cardboard just don’t cut it any more.
“Brits want big, punchy flavours, and the poll has shown they’re bored stiff when it comes to the British options; it’s time for something with a real bite.”
According to the OnePoll data, 69% of Brits say they like to experiment with Indian-inspired dishes or flavours.
Almost a third said they’d eat Indian food every day if they could.
Spice levels were also a key part of the research. Sixty-three per cent said they like spicy food, while 13% said they preferred theirs extra hot. Another 18% claimed they could handle a Vindaloo.
What are Britain’s Favourite Indian Foods?
- Samosas
- Onion Bhajis
- Curry
- Tikka Masala
- Tandoori Chicken
- Butter Chicken
- Korma
- Biryani
- Pakoras
- Balti
The survey also revealed that 32% are tired of their usual snack options.
Nearly four in ten want healthier ingredients in British snacks, while 29% want more variety.
Bigger flavour and more spice are in demand too.
Around 21% want snacks with stronger tastes, and 18% want more heat.
More than a third (35%) say most savoury snacks available in shops today are “boring”. And 31% describe them as predictable.
The most overused flavours? Cheese and onion, and salt and vinegar.
Another spokesperson for Peperami said:
“British snacks can be boring – the research findings show us as much.”
“And people nowadays are looking for varied flavours and something more exciting.
“A pork pie, scotch egg, or crisps from a supermarket are no longer going to cut it when people want a flavour hit.”
Snacking habits in general were also covered by the poll.
The average Brit consumes five snacks between meals per week. But 40% admitted they tend to eat the same ones over and over, only occasionally trying something new.
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