A massive 76% of Brits turn to hearty, warming dishes to lift their mood during winter, with roast dinners, soup and cheese toasties topping the list
The ultimate secret to surviving the colder months has been revealed, as new research shows food is the number one source of comfort. A poll of 2,000 adults found that a significant 58% make a conscious effort to lift their mood during the colder months.
A lack of light and bad weather often leaves Brits feeling low, particularly when having to get out of bed and commute while it’s still dark outside. As a result, many actively seek out small moments of comfort and joy to break the monotony.
Popular mood boosters include sitting in front of the fire while it’s raining outside, booking something fun to look forward to like a gig or comedy show, and creating a vision board for the year ahead. But a massive 76% of Brits turn to hearty, warming dishes to lift their mood during winter.
The research, commissioned by cheese producer Boursin, revealed that the traditional roast dinner reigns supreme as the ultimate feel-good feast, whilst soup (36%), cheese toasties (23%), and indulgent, creamy pasta dishes (23%) also ranked highly.
Tapping into this growing appetite, Boursin teamed up with Michelin-trained culinary whiz Jack Blumenthal to surprise London commuters at Waterloo Station with elevated everyday comfort foods, all featuring a flavourful twist of Boursin Blue Cheese Flavour.
Jack Blumenthal said: “January can feel very predictable, so bringing surprise servings into a busy station is a way of reminding people that everyday moments can still feel special.”
“These are proper comfort dishes – creamy soups, golden gooey croque monsieurs, and indulgent mac and cheese – familiar favourites made more irresistible with an unexpected twist of Boursin Blue Cheese Flavour.
“It’s smooth and delicate rather than overpowering, which makes it perfect for everyday cooking.”
A quarter (24%) turn to these comfort foods daily, or even multiple times a day, to lift their spirits – with half needing a pick-me-up the most when it’s rainy and miserable outside.
Four in 10 (41%) also opt to spice up their classic comforts by adding new twists to their favourite meals, such as by adding extra herbs and spices (38%), contrasting textures (27%), or different types of an ingredient they usually use (24%).
While 38% seek out small comforts when they feel under the weather themselves or on a dull evening lacking any social plans (26%), according to the OnePoll.com data.
A spokesperson for the brand said: “As dark commutes and cold evenings set in, it’s completely natural for people to seek small moments of joy to lift their mood, particularly during January.”
They added: “Our research shows many people are craving comforting, uplifting experiences, and we were delighted to bring a spark of joy to some of London’s commuters.
“We also found that over a quarter of people have never tried blue cheese, often because in its traditional form it can feel intimidating.
“Even the biggest of sceptics at Waterloo were pleasantly surprised by our creamy blue-cheese-inspired comfort dishes, designed for those curious about the flavour and showing that the ingredient is perfect for adding a delicious twist to everyday cooking.”
TOP 20 THINGS BRITS DO TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES:
- Enjoy my favourite comfort food
- Treat myself to little things during the day
- Book something fun to look forward to (gig, comedy show)
- Eat out at a new restaurant
- Try out a new recipe
- Hunt out a bargain or freebie
- Go on a shopping spree
- Have a duvet day
- Sit in front of a fire while it’s raining outside
- Go on a spontaneous trip somewhere new
- Have a movie marathon
- Create a “feel-good” playlist
- Have a luxury bath with candles and music
- Surprise a friend or partner
- Take myself on a “solo date”
- Learn a new skill (like woodworking or an instrument)
- Create a vision board for the year ahead
- Learn a new craft (like origami, crochet, or candle making)
- Host a dinner party
- Try an unusual food combination