Brits are turning to classic American food combinations for comfort and convenience
Britons are adopting American-style food trends including peanut butter and jam, chicken and waffles and even sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed 64% enjoy eating foods that are typically considered American due to their ‘comfort’ factor, plus their simplicity and convenience. Salted caramel emerged as Britain’s top flavour pairing borrowed from across the Atlantic, while cookies and cream secured a narrow second place.
Brits enjoy indulgent American-style food including New York style cheesecakes (19%), as well as their bold flavours (18%) and generous portion sizes (15%). What’s more, an additional 14% confessed they prefer sweet breakfasts like pancakes over traditional cooked alternatives such as a full English.
Almost three in 10 (28%) tuck into American dishes at least once weekly – and 17% admit they’ll eat more than normal during the World Cup.
The study was commissioned by the English Cheesecake Company ahead of launching its Hershey’s cookies and cream and Reese’s flavoured cheesecakes.
A spokesperson for the company, which will be handing out free cheesecakes on 2nd July at London Liverpool Street station and 3rd July at Manchester Piccadilly station, said: “American‐inspired dishes are showing no signs of going away.
“The US does comfort food so well, it’s no wonder it’s here to stay in the UK. We do love an interesting taste combo and looks like sweet and salty is a clear flavour favourite.”
For one in ten (11%) of Brits, American-style food is their favourite, climbing to 18% of Gen Z – the biggest fans of its dishes.
What’s more, nearly half (45%) said that American-inspired foods are brilliant to serve guests because they work well for catering to larger groups, they are simple to prepare and they keep things enjoyable and relaxed.
More than a third (34%) revealed their dining habits have been shaped by American TV, films or social media with 12% of those surveyed via OnePoll.com stating they’re consuming more American food now than they were five years ago.
Meanwhile, 30% believe American-inspired food trends will grow in the UK in the coming years.
The spokesperson from the English Cheesecake Company remarked: “American and English foods combine beautifully, as the poll reveals.
“And it looks like our love of foods from across the pond is only speeding up.”
THE AMERICAN INSPIRED FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS MOST LOVED BY BRITS:
- Salted caramel (sweet and salty)
- Cookies and cream
- Bacon with maple syrup
- Bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon/lox
- Peanut butter and chocolate
- Grilled cheese with tomato soup
- Mac and cheese with hot dogs
- Peanut butter and jam (PB&J)
- Chicken and waffles with syrup
- Apples with peanut butter