Brits ditch ‘choosy tea’ favourites as summer time meals get Mediterranean makeover

A new survey has found that Brits are now opting for Mediterranean-style ‘picky teas’ over traditional British foods in the summer months – and we’re even dining later

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A nationwide poll has revealed that June is the month when Brits officially turn off their ovens, swapping out cooked evening meals for “picky bits”, at least three times a week on average.

However, fresh research from unearthed indicates our summer eating habits are dramatically changing. According to the findings, traditional British “picky bits” such as corned beef, coleslaw and sandwich spreads are falling out of favour.

Instead, 83% say the typical ‘picky tea’ has undergone a Mediterranean makeover. We’re also dining later, with 8pm emerging as the new British summer supper time for Gen Z.

With supermarket shelves now overflowing with continental deli options that would have been unthinkable just a few decades ago, eight out of ten believe that “picky bits” have evolved significantly from the beige processed foods of yesteryear.

In fact, one in three view the idea of having white sliced bread as outdated, and 21% consider mini gherkins to be somewhat passé, reports the Mirror.

Instead, foods like Serrano ham, falafel and frittata now epitomise the perfect summer spread. The study also disclosed our unending love for olives, with 22% believing they instantly give everything a more sophisticated and Mediterranean vibe, while 17% admit nothing tops olives on a warm, sunny day.

This was followed in the survey of 2,000 Brits by chorizo, salami, stuffed peppers, prosciutto and Spanish tortilla, flatbreads, croquettes and Patatas Bravas.

Renowned food expert and chef, Omar Allibhoy says the shift reflects decades of changing tastes and travel:

“Picky bits” have travelled quite a distance from their modest origins, transforming from cobbling together a meal with whatever’s lurking in the fridge – to fresher, simply prepared and lighter tapas-style suppers when it’s sweltering hot to cook and we’re all exhausted from our hectic contemporary lives.

The majority of us are seasoned travellers who’ve sampled countless cuisines from across the globe, especially from the Mediterranean nations we frequent most as Brits.

“More frequently we now have the appetite at home to have a taste of those flavours we had while on holidays, that transport us there even if for a second, we want to feel as if we are on holidays.

“With tapas, it’s about placing shared plates in the centre of the table and coming together to enjoy them as a family.”

He continues: ” Over time the UK supermarket shelves have filled with the Mediterranean flavours. At first, it was mostly Italian and French, then Spanish took over.

“This reflects the public’s demand for Mediterranean flavours that are easy and quick to rustle up and have your dinner ready in minutes. This demand is combined with a yearning for those days in Spain-the sun, having a great time on holiday and loving life to its fullest.

“Picky season in the UK still signals the same thing it always has: summer has arrived – and the cooking can wait.” One in three reckon a picky tea is perfect when it’s too sweltering and humid to fire up the oven, while 25% prefer it when they simply cannot bear the thought of cooking. A further 23% say it fits their summer routine down to a tee.

What’s more, sharing meals and spending precious time dining with others seems to take on greater importance during the hotter months. A staggering 84% relish sharing food and reckon it tastes superior when savoured alongside mates and family. Gen Z are most inclined to call themselves food sharers (85%), while those over 60 are least keen to share.

PICKY PLATE ESSENTIALS, ACCORDING TO MODERN BRITS:

1. Olives

2. Flat breads

3. Breadsticks

4. Houmous

5. Chorizo

6. Halloumi

7. Salami

8. Prosciutto

9. Spanish tortilla

10. Focaccia

11. Serrano ham

12. Posh Scotch eggs

13. Falafel

14. Tzatziki

15. Croquettes

16. Patatas Bravas

17. Iberico ham

18. Frittata

19. Koftas

20. Whipped feta