Predictable Brits order the same takeaway or restaurant meal – and know exactly what they are having without looking at the menu. A study, of 2,000 adults, found 32 per cent will always stick to what they know when ordering a meal in or eating out by choosing the same dish they always have.
Almost half admitted they want to be more adventurous with their food choices, but always fall back on their favourites. Tikka Masala was revealed to be the most common Indian main, with 28 per cent describing it as their “go-to”, while lasagne is the top dish when visiting an Italian (27 per cent).
Of those putting in the same order, 48 per cent don’t want to ‘waste’ money on something they might not like and 10 per cent get overwhelmed by having too many options. However, there are some bold eaters out there with 14 per cent getting a ‘kick’ out of trying new foods.
The research was commissioned by Doritos, to launch Loaded Week London, a food event featuring more than 100 street food spots designed to shake-up food routines by loading customers’ bags of Doritos for a fiver.
A spokesperson said: “It’s clear many know exactly what they want before they order – habit plays a big role in how we eat. But there’s a growing appetite for people to step outside of their go-to dishes.
“More of us are starting to explore what else is out there – and thankfully there is plenty.”
For 14 per cent they go out of their way to try new flavour combinations, with nearly one in 10 under the impression there’s social currency in trying the latest social food phenomena.
It also emerged 49 per cent believe there is more variety of cuisines to try compared to five years ago, and 37 per cent are more likely to try new foods than they once were.
After ordering new foods, 30 per cent feel more adventurous, 25 per cent are pleasantly surprised and 18 per cent feel proud for trying something new.
Generationally, 33 per cent of Gen Z like to try new foods, while only 21 per cent of Boomers do the same, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Doritos’ Loaded Week will feature food mashups, including a creation from Chin Chin Ice Cream that combines tangy cheese ice cream on a buttery crumb base in a chocolate shell, served in a bag of Doritos with a jalapeño hot sauce.
Taking place at the end of the summer, the event will build on some of the new-found interest in culinary exploration as people return from their summer breaks as the research found 44 per cent of consumers are inspired to try new foods after travelling.
And while 18 per cent of Brits might be ‘apprehensive’ to try new foods, 63 per cent admit when they do, they like it.
The snack brand’s spokesperson added: “Doritos’ Loaded Week is helping people ditch the ‘same old’. It’s about trying something new – or simply having a reason to meet up with a mate and enjoy the last of the summer vibes with some delicious munch.”