A survey of 2,000 adults has discovered the preferred method of preparing toast, with over a fifth (22%) suggesting that someone’s toast preference could hint at deeper aspects of their personality.
More than half confessed to being ‘picky’ about their toast, with a only 8% favouring a ‘well done’, deep brown finish, while 15% would choose a lightly toasted version.
Over a third believe toast ‘tastes better’ when cut into rectangles the top shape choice with triangles trailing closely behind.
White bread emerged as the top choice for toasting, with 49% of respondents favouring it, while 24% leaned towards wholemeal. A stylish 16%, on the other hand, would opt to pop a slice of sourdough into their toaster.
But overall, the perfect slice, according to Brits, is crafted from white bread, toasted to a ‘warm, light-brown’ hue, sliced into rectangles, and served warm but not scorching.
The research was commissioned by Premier Inn in honour of National Toast Day (February 27) and it discovered for eight out of 10 it’s an indispensable component of a full English breakfast.
“Brits have a fondness for a cooked breakfast and as our study reveals, toast is undeniably a staple,” commented Chris Seaby, who spearheads breakfast menu development at Premier Inn and is well-versed in Brits’ favourite breakfast rituals.
Serving more than 22 million breakfasts annually, the hotel knows its patrons’ preferences. “People are very specific about their ideal slice. From the bread selection to the degree of toasting, right down to what we slather on top of it.”
Food psychologist, Greg Tucker, has shared his insights: “Toast is bread transformed to suit us. Our choices – akin to our fashion sense, our circle of friends and our favourite books – all mirror our personality.
“Your choices inadvertently reveal aspects of your personality – this being a highly personal choice, it speaks volumes.”
Discover what your toast preference says about you
The study also revealed that 35% of those polled are more likely to indulge in a few slices of toast when staying at a hotel than at home.
Nearly half of the toast enthusiasts enjoy a few slices first thing in the morning at breakfast – the most popular time – whereas 14% savour it as a mid-morning snack.
Greg Tucker further elaborated: “Toast is often one of the first steps a growing child takes towards preparing their own food – potentially their initial foray into ‘cooking’.
“This marks a phase of burgeoning independence and carving out an individual identity within the household.
“It’s hardly surprising then that this remains a crucial part of how we self-identify throughout our lives as formative choices persist into adulthood.”
Chris chimed in: “Toast preferences are incredibly individual, which is why it’s paramount to offer a wide variety of options, including gluten-free.”
