During the festive season, Brits are swapping traditional roasts for party foods like sausage rolls and pigs in blankets. A recent study by Iceland Foods found that on average, Brits will consume 117 pieces of party food, including items like mini pizzas, filo prawns, and pigs in blankets. While the classic roast dinner remains popular, more people are opting for a hassle-free feast of finger foods.
Convenience seems to be the primary driver behind this shift, with 59% of respondents finding party food less stressful to prepare compared to a sit-down meal. Additionally, many Brits prefer the taste and enjoyment that comes with finger foods, with 53% believing it tastes better, 54% feeling happier when eating it, and 57% simply enjoying it more.
Pigs in blankets are the top favorite party food (28%), followed by cheese (14%), sausage rolls (11%), chicken nuggets (8%), and mini pizzas (6%). With millions of Brits planning to indulge in party food daily during the festive season and even considering it for breakfast on Christmas Day, it’s estimated that a staggering 7.75 billion pieces of party food will be consumed this year.
Paul Dhaliwal, chief commercial officer of Iceland Foods, noted the trend towards bite-sized celebrations, stating that party food has become the new holiday favorite due to its fun and shareable nature. The survey also revealed that Yorkshire, particularly Sheffield and Leeds, leads the UK in consuming Christmas party food.
To cater to the nation’s love for party food, Iceland is running a Mega Christmas Event from November 6 to December 26, offering deals like three for £5 and eight for £10 on party food favorites, along with discounts on various other items including selection boxes. For those still craving a traditional roast, Christmas meat joints are available for just £10.
In conclusion, the shift towards party foods during Christmas reflects a growing preference for convenience and enjoyment among Brits, as they embrace a more relaxed and communal dining experience during the holiday season.
