Brits embrace foodie tradition: 41% declare the title

Can you pronounce quinoa correctly? Have you any idea how to cook jackfruit? Know what is meant by to coddle something? If you think you can spot a Michelin-star meal when you eat one, why not put your money where your mouth is and give this quiz a try?

A recent study of 2,000 adults revealed that a whopping 41% consider themselves food enthusiasts. Natalie Allen, spokesperson for salad brand Florette, which commissioned the research to launch its Gourmet Slaws range, commented: “The term ‘foodie’ has been more widely used in recent years.”

“People make plans around which restaurants they are going to, often several weeks in advance and love to share their meals, recipes, reviews and general thoughts on food on social media platforms. Cuisine brings so much joy. When we think of special occasions such as birthdays and weddings or even holidays, the majority of them have an enjoyment of food at the heart of them.”

“Dishes from around the world have progressively been integrated into our diet in the UK as we have become more inquisitive, experimental and so willing to try different and more “exotic” options.”

The research also pinpointed the top 50 signs someone is a foodie including the kitchen being a favourite room in the house and planning holidays around cuisine. Other indicators include knowing how to make pasta from scratch, actually using the cookbooks they own and having over 30 spices in the cupboard.

Owning a set of chef-worthy knives, obsessively reading food blogs, knowing where different cuts of meat come from, eating seasonal produce and hosting dinner parties are further traits.

Along with a penchant for Michelin-star dining, Brits are also keen on exploring independent eateries and attending food festivals. The survey revealed that seven in 10 Brits are passionate about supporting the UK’s food and drink industry. Consequently, 58% of those surveyed try to dine in independent restaurants whenever possible, citing better tasting food (42%) and an authentic experience (36%) as their reasons.

The study also found that adults typically eat out twice a month, spending an average of £40 on food and drinks. When it comes to dining out, 55% of respondents try new dishes each time, while 18% stick to their tried-and-true favourites. Similarly, six in 10 claim they are adventurous with food, and 24% are willing to travel hundreds of miles for the ‘perfect’ meal.

For 34% of respondents, dining at high-end restaurants is their idea of fun, while 45% enjoy learning new things about ingredients and meals. The best aspects of dining out were found to be the satisfaction of eating a good meal (25%), not having to cook (24%), and trying new foods (15%). More than a fifth (23%) even have a list of restaurants they’d like to visit, while 29% have a wish list of countries to travel to specifically for the cuisine.

When it comes to cooking, 41% describe their ability as ‘average’, while 38% claim it’s ‘good’ and seven per cent go as far as saying it’s ‘excellent’.

Despite the fact that many regard themselves as foodies, the research, conducted via OnePoll, discovered that 29% of participants find the term unappealing due to its pretentious (66%) and elitist (18%) connotations.

Ahead of the summer season, Natalie Allen, spokesperson for Florette’s Gourmet Slaws, which are inspired by the flavours of Korea, China and India, mentioned: “With summer fast approaching it’s likely social gatherings will revolve around food even more, from barbeques to al fresco lunches and late evening dining as the sun sets.”

THE TOP 50 SIGNS YOU’RE A FOODIE:

1. The kitchen is your best-loved room in the house.
2. You actively use the cookbooks you own.
3. Food is a major factor when planning holidays.
4. You don’t have to rely on recipes to prepare meals.
5. You’re aware where different cuts of meat originate from.
6. You make your own stock.
7. You possess knowledge about food history.
8. Ready meals or pre-made sauces are a no-go for you.
9. You’re familiar with wine pairings for various meals.
10. Your kitchen boasts a collection of professional ‘chef-worthy’ knives.
11. Over 30 spices can be found in your cupboard.
12. Fresh, homemade pasta is something you know how to make.
13. Browsing food blogs and websites is pretty regular for you.
14. Deboning a fish isn’t rocket science for you.
15. You’ve held a dinner party where you personally prepared the food.
16. To the minute, you know how long to cook a steak depending on preference.
17. You have the ability to chop food swiftly just like they do on TV.
18. You stay updated about when foods are ‘in season’.
19. You have five or more different oils in the cupboard.
20. You have dined in multiple Michelin-star restaurants.
21. You have written your own recipes.
22. You seek out independent restaurants.
23. You have been to a food festival.
24. You are the go-to person for restaurant recommendations.
25. You shop for organic and locally produced food items where possible.
26. You can make homemade pizzas (including the dough).
27. You know the temperature different cheeses are best enjoyed at.
28. You own a pestle and mortar.
29. You make their own work lunch from fresh.
30. You have imported food items rarely found in the UK from abroad.
31. You know the temperature different wines are best enjoyed at.
32. You know the exact point food is al dente.
33. You follow multiple food-oriented social media accounts.
34. You know how to flambe.
35. You have a slight obsession with street food.
36. You can cook rice without it going soggy.
37. You know the difference between sushi and sashimi.
38. You know how to make eggs benedict.
39. You know what a la carte means.
40. You know what is meant by ‘to coddle something’.
41. You know what consomme is.
42. You know how to make coulis.
43. You know what an aperitif is.
44. You know how to toss a salad correctly.
45. You eat out at least once a week.
46. You can use chopsticks.
47. You wouldn’t turn your nose up if offered snails or frog legs.
48. You can pronounce ‘quinoa’ correctly.
49. You’re familiar with what crudites are.
50. You possess a pizza stone.