Research shows that Brits are ditching the pub for match-day fun at home – and snacks are a big part of it
The biggest football event of the summer is rapidly approaching, and for many young families, the match-day experience is set to be quite different from 2022. Where once the beautiful game was celebrated with boozy pub afternoons for some, this year it’s all about settling in at home with loved ones, making the most of late-night kick-offs with simple, crowd-pleasing nibbles.
New research from Jacob’s reveals that a significant majority of Brits (73%) will opt to watch the games at home this summer, either with friends or alone, compared to just a quarter (24%) who plan to head out to soak up the action.
Several factors are driving this trend, including:
- The comfort of staying in (62%)
- Spending quality time with friends and family (48%)
- Saving money (46%)
Practical considerations also come into play, with 23% citing late kick-off times (9pm onwards) and 22% pointing to family routines.
Alongside this shift, one thing remains clear: snacks are an essential part of the viewing experience. In fact, a significant 21% are more excited about preparing and enjoying match-side snacks than popping open a beer. Social media is also reshaping how fans approach match day refreshments, as while nearly half (48%) are content with a simple bowl of crisps, almost a third (29%) say trends like ‘crisp flights’ and charcuterie-style boards have inspired them to elevate their snack game.
As the nation prepares for the first whistle this June, Jacob’s has called on someone who’s well-versed in whipping up tasty snacks – the personal chef to football stars, Jonny Marsh – has crafted a series of recipes that the whole family will love, featuring both brand-new and classic crisps and snacks from Jacob’s. The best bit? They can be quickly thrown together before kick-off or during the half-time break.
The line-up of recipes, which you can see on Jonny’s Instagram, includes:
- Twiglets Chocolate Caramel Bar – combining salty and sweet tastes, with the Twiglets offering a savoury balance to the sweet chocolate and caramel.
- Mini Cheddars Chipotle & Lime Flavour Crispy Chicken Tacos – ideal for sharing while enjoying the matches with mates and family.
- Jacob’s Crinklys Loaded Antipasti Board – a speedy, effortless dish to put together – this one is all about minimal fuss, maximum impact, and brilliant for sharing.
- Mini Cheddars Cheeselets Crispy Mozzarella Sticks – a guaranteed fan favourite and crowd pleaser… who doesn’t love melted cheese?!
Jonny Marsh said: “I love to get creative with flavour, whether I’m cooking for footballers or family, and that’s exactly what I’ve done here. Food has a unique way of bringing people together during big sporting moments, and these recipes are designed with sharing in mind.
“As a new parent, I’ve made sure they’re simple too – easy dishes that the whole family can enjoy. I can’t wait to cook these up this summer!”
Kate Stokes, Marketing Manager for Jacob’s, said: “With more people choosing to enjoy the summer football frenzy from the comfort of their own home, match days are becoming all about easy, relaxed moments shared with friends and family.
“Snacks are playing a bigger role than ever before, and at Jacob’s – we’re excited to be helping inspire people with a series of chef-created recipes from Jonny Marsh, showing how familiar favourites, as well as new releases, can be enjoyed in fresh, constantly evolving innovative methods.”
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