Food gadgets most definitely to ‘bag a date’ in grocery store and it is excellent news for steak

Singles now judge each other and what we put in our baskets and fruit may well be the way to someone’s heart according to a new survey

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These ‘sexy’ food items give you the best chance of turning heads at the supermarket and bagging a Valentine’s Day date, a study has revealed.

Research by Tesco says 39% of singles – rising to 48% of 18-34s – admit they would judge a potential partner’s shopping basket before striking up a conversation.

They’ve revealed a list of ‘sexiest foods to have in a shopping basket’ to give you the best chance of a successful meet-cute by the fruit. Picking up chocolate (41%), strawberries (38%) and steak (34%) were voted the top three, while coffee (22%), Greek yoghurt (20%) and biscuits (17%) followed behind.

The mix suggests singles aren’t just looking for tasty treats, but scouting for someone who can cook, entertain, and make the everyday feel a little indulgent. Whether that’s whipping up a romantic home-cooked dinner or lingering over coffee afterwards, it paints a picture of a partner who puts in the effort, cares and adds a little extra treat to everyday life.

Research by Tesco says 87% of singletons want to meet a romantic partner in real life rather than on a dating app and nearly a third (29%) believe the supermarket is the ideal place to find them. Those looking for love should head to Birmingham as Tesco data has crowned the city the home of the UK’s sexiest shopping basket.

Brummies are officially searching for the most attractive picks in the country, with Manchester, Glasgow, London and Bristol rounding out the top five. The study explores the pivotal role food plays in the nation’s relationships and how the marrying of taste buds is the key to long-term success.

More than half (57%) of couples believe that a shared love of the same food is the key to a long and happy relationship. Food is one of the most discussed topics for couples nationwide (34%), alongside holidays (41%) and their children (41%).

A fifth (21%) of those who have been together for 3-5 months say they have food habits in common, compared to half (50%) of couples who’ve been together for more than 20 years. Similarly, nearly 60% (57%) of couples believe that a shared love of the same foods is key to a lasting relationship.

A staggering 41% of those who’ve been together for over 10 years credit their joint love of hot and spicy food for helping to keep the spark alive, while almost half (48%) say sharing sweet treats is the secret to their success.

When it comes to the most romantic dinner for two, steak (20%) was pipped to the top spot by the humble spag bol (21%). Food is such a core pillar of relationships that it’s one of the most discussed topics for couples nationwide (34%) and is just as important as kids (41%) and holidays (41%).

Psychologist and relationship expert Dr Andrea Oskis, who specialises in the psychology of relationships and food habits, has spoken on the connection between food and romance.

Dr Andrea said: “Throughout human history, food has always been one of the most powerful ways of forging connections with others, whether it is eating, cooking or doing the big Tesco shop together.

“Our food behaviours can shape intimacy, trust and also long-term relationship satisfaction. Shared food experiences bind us together, no matter what stage of a relationship you are at and can help couples build a sense of closeness and belonging.”

With a third (35%) of couples opting for a romantic meal at home this Valentine’s Day, some may plump for the Tesco Finest Dine In range – which includes Tesco Finest British Rump Steaks and Tesco Finest Marry Me Chicken Risotto.

Tesco Finest Valentine’s Dine In menu is available from 9th February and includes the nation’s most romantic dishes as well as desserts and drinks for £20 with a Tesco Clubcard.

Dr Andrea’s top tips

– Share favourite foods: Introduce people to dishes that are nostalgic to you and tell the story behind them. This allows people to witness what’s meaningful in your world, which can deepen emotional connection and show someone a more intimate side of your character.

– Be open to each other’s tastes: Showing flexibility and a willingness to adapt your food preferences is a sign of care and respect for the other person. Being receptive to your partner in this way helps to build empathy.

– Cook together: preparing meals together is a perfect bonding experience, requiring strong communication, cooperation and resulting in a shared sense of achievement. Cooking side-by-side especially allows for conversation to come up in a more freeing and relaxed way.

– Eat without distractions: Putting your phone away, turning off the tv, and having a digital detox helps to create the perfect environment for intimate conversation and connection, because you are giving each other your dedicated attention and making the relationship the priority.

– Use small gestures to show affection: Sometimes, the most meaningful gestures are the little ones – picking up a favourite treat when nipping to Tesco can be a small, but powerful, expression of love and showing that you’re holding the other person in mind.

– Be playful with the food and with each other: It’s one of the best ways to create connections and build trust in relationships.