Brits hail sharp tang of cheese prime in checklist of the best flavours in fashionable life

What could be better than gobbling up a chunk of mature cheddar cheese?

Absolutely nothing, it has been revealed, after a poll asked Brits to vote for the flavours which bring their taste buds the most pleasure. The yummy yellow snack came in at 54%.

The spicy notes of curry (49%) and more specifically tikka masala (36%), and the strong tones of garlic (39%) and salt & vinegar crisps (34%), beat chocolate, which only came eleventh in the list.

Modern Brits also love the spicy taste of jerk chicken (24%), a creamy slice of carrot cake (32%), sharp mango (32%) and the bitter flavour of fresh lemon (33%).

The study found smoked salmon (30%), pork crackling (26%) and smoked paprika (24%) are also flavours favoured by many.

Also on the list were fizzy cola bottles, Greek yoghurt, parmesan cheese and maple syrup.

The study, which was commissioned by Pukka to celebrate the launch of its new World Flavoursrange found, as a nation, we’re spicing up our plates, with nearly two thirds (67%) saying they love spicy flavours.

Gen Z and Millennials are the biggest spice seekers, with nearly three quarters (73%) embracing the heat.

Nearly half (49%) of Brits say they are more adventurous with their food choices, while a third (34%) are more inclined to sample foods from different countries.

When it comes to world flavours, Chinese came top (46%), while Indian (40%), Italian (36%), Mexican (23%) and Greek (15%) are also popular.

Regionally, the spiciest city is Swansea where 33% of people say they LOVE it hot, followed by Birmingham (33%), Leeds (32%) and London (31%).

Rachel Cranston, Head of Brand Strategy at Pukka, comments: “Our research shows that the nation’s taste buds are craving adventure and flavour, and we’re seeing more hunger for diverse and spicier flavours.

“This range is all about bringing iconic tastes to the UK and we’re confident that every bite has the full-on flavour the nation is looking for.”

The study also showed that our modern taste buds are more sophisticated than those of the generation before us, with a whopping 88% saying that we have better taste buds than our parents and grandparents, while eight in ten (83%) admit their taste buds now crave punchier, spicier flavours.

This even extends to our love lives, as 81% say that an adventurous palate is a big attraction in a partner.

25 GREATEST FLAVOURS, ACCORDING TO BRITS

1. Cheddar cheese – 54%
2. Curry – 49%
3. Bacon – 49%
4. Strawberries and cream – 47%
5. Orange juice – 42%
6. Honey – 40%
7. Garlic – 39%
8. Tikka Masala – 36%
9. Salt and vinegar crisps – 34%
10. Lemon – 33%
11. Chocolate – 33%
12. Carrot cake – 32%
13. Mango – 32%
14. Sweet popcorn – 32%
15. Watermelon – 31%
16. Sweet potato – 31%
17. Smoked salmon – 30%
18. Fizzy cola bottles – 29%
19. Greek yoghurt – 29%
20. Parmesan cheese – 28%
21. Pork cracking – 26%
22. Maple syrup – 25%
23. Jerk chicken – 24%
24. Smoked paprika – 24%
25. Salted popcorn – 24%