In further proof there’s now a (seemingly pointless) study into just about everything comes the latest market research across B&T’s desk that delves into people’s favourite Christmas dinner food.
The British study by frozen food purveyor McCain found that roast potatoes topped the list as the most desirable edible on people’s dinner plates come the 25th.
Some 2000 people were surveyed for the McCain’s Nation’s Conversation’s report and had the humble spud – voted number one by 58 per cent of respondents – beating out the turkey for top spot.
According to the study, the top parts of the dinner were (remembering it was named by Brits).
- Roast potatoes
- Roast turkey
- Pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon)
- Stuffing
- Gravy
- Yorkshire puddings
- Brussel sprouts
- Parsnips
- Christmas pudding
- Cauliflower cheese
Although the controversial Brussel sprout was voted top veg by 17 per cent of respondents, a further 29 per cent agreed it was actually the worst part of the Christmas meal.
Interestingly, 20 per cent said the Yorkshire pudding was their favourite, despite it not really falling into the “traditional Christmas” category.
The study found that 80 per cent of respondents would sit down to a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, while two per cent said they’d probably have a pie and chips.
When it came to seafood starters, the prawn cocktail (28 per cent) beat smoked salmon (20 per cent).
According to the survey, the typical Christmas dinner plate will contain as much as three slices of turkey, four sprouts and four potatoes, including parsnips, pigs in blankets and two Yorkshire puddings.
And if you over indulge on Christmas day it appears you’re not alone. Some 70 per cent of respondents said they’d gorge themselves senseless on Jesus’ birthday, while 60 per cent agreed they’d definitely head back for seconds.
While it appears vegetarians tend to make exceptions at Christmas. The survey revealing a third of people who don’t typically eat meat will do so for Christmas lunch.
And this is all good news for the grocery chains. The study finding the average British Christmas lunch costs £70 ($A134) to buy and a rather lengthy four hours to cook.
While a 2016 study found that for every £1 the UK retailers spend on their (often exorbitant) Christmas ads, it translates to £24 in sales.
Commenting on the study, Mark Hodge from McCain, said: “For many, Christmas dinner is one of the biggest events of the year, a chance to catch up and celebrate around the dinner table with friends and family alike.
“Our latest findings, as part of our Nation’s Conversations research, has also shown the differences in people’s preferences over the favourite part of the festive dinner plate.
“And although it’s not really that different to a typical Sunday roast the Christmas menu gives people culinary licence to include sides you might not typically have, indulging in their favourite spuds and all the trimmings,” Hodge said.
