Why Gen Z Brits are Faking their Way Through Spicy Food

Gen Z are choosing spicy food on the menu – even if some of them are sweating through it.

A survey of 2,000 adults shows that 43% of 18 to 28-year-olds claim to have a ‘high’ or ‘very high’ spice tolerance.

This figure drops sharply with age – just 37% of Millennials say the same, followed by 31% of Gen X and 24% of Baby Boomers.

The research, carried out by bakery brand St Pierre, highlights a generational divide.

More than one in ten Gen Z respondents said they will always pick the hottest option on the menu. But even if they can’t handle it, nearly half admitted they would pretend otherwise to avoid seeming weak.

In contrast, 65% of Baby Boomers feel no embarrassment about struggling with spice. Seven in ten Boomers also said they had never hidden their discomfort with a spicy dish.

According to the findings, Gen Z’s taste for spice is about more than just flavour.

A third said they feel embarrassed if they can’t handle heat, while one in five admitted they always finish a dish, even if they’re sweating through every bite.

The survey also revealed that 53% of Gen Z are happy to show off their spice tolerance. Around 15% eat something spicy at least once a day.

A spokesperson for St Pierre said: “It’s interesting to see how enjoyment and endurance of fiery foods changes between generations.

“Whilst it may be that the younger generations are more adventurous, they may also just be more committed to saving face!

“Spicy food seems to be a matter of pride for the young, and we can see why – but it’s also great to see the commonalities across generations around not wanting to offend a chef or waste good food – at St Pierre we encourage everyone to ‘eat avec respect’, after all.”

Millennials are also embracing the heat.

The study found that 18% will put hot sauce on nearly anything.

Just under half (45%) said spice enhances a dish’s flavour. They were also the most open-minded about trying new food, with 76% keen to test out spicy flavours specifically.

But with strong opinions come spicy disputes.

Over half of Gen Z and nearly half of Millennials have argued with someone over what to eat due to differing spice preferences.

Despite the heat, St Pierre’s spokesperson said food should unite rather than divide:

“At the end of the day, good food is something that brings us all together – no matter your age.”