A survey of 2,000 Brits shows the UK’s favourite winter comfort foods – with traditional roast dinner claiming the number one spot with 59% of votes
As the festive season looms, Brits have spilled the beans on their top ‘winter warmers’ and the number one choice is a sure-fire hit with families nationwide. The poll, conducted by Swiss dairy giant Emmi, revealed that Brits are all about tucking into hearty meals when the temperature drops.
So it’s no shocker that the good old roast dinner has nabbed the top spot, bagging 59% of the votes as the ultimate Sunday lure for family gatherings. Hot on its heels was a comforting beef stew, securing just over a third of the vote (34%), while the classic bangers and mash combo took third place with 33%.
Other beloved dishes making the cut included Italian staple lasagna (32%), apple crumble (32%), spaghetti bolognese (31%) and cottage pie (31%).
The trusty shepherd’s pie (30%) followed suit, trailed by a simple bowl of soup (29%), and a jacket potato (28%) rounded off the top 10.
According to the survey of 2,000 Brits, we’re also fans of a bit of heat, with a piping hot curry (25%) and chilli con carne (20%) making the list, reports the Express.
But it seems cheesy communal dishes are quickly climbing the ranks too.
Mac and cheese, the grilled cheese sandwich, and cauliflower cheese all landed in the top 15, rubbing shoulders with Swiss alpine favourites, fondue and raclette, in the top 20.
And while traditional dishes still reign supreme, there’s a growing trend towards sharing plates, with a whopping 77% agreeing that meals like fondue foster a sense of connection among friends and family.
Vickie Rogerson, Emmi UK Cheese Ambassador, said: “It’s interesting to see our research shows that classic dishes are still very much in fashion this winter and who doesn’t love a good old roast dinner with all the trimmings when the weather turns chilly.
“But within the study we can also see there’s also a growing demand for interactive, satisfying comfort food that encourages people to slow down and connect.
“Whether it’s an effortless cheese board or a decadent, interactive meal like fondue or raclette, Emmi’s authentic Swiss cheeses bring an unmatched quality and flavour.”
Traditional favourites remain hugely popular this winter, but there’s a clear shift towards dishes that bring people together. A substantial one-third of those surveyed (33%) revealed plans to indulge in melted cheese creations during the colder months, with that figure soaring to 59% amongst younger adults aged 25-34.
The attraction centres around communal dining, with 77% acknowledging that sharing dishes such as fondue helps foster a stronger sense of togetherness with loved ones.
Surprisingly, Brits are increasingly taking their winter meals outdoors – with 51% admitting they’ve already enjoyed seasonal favourites in the fresh air, and 31% intending to do so again soon.
Exploring this outdoor dining phenomenon further, almost half of respondents said they’d prefer tucking into winter fare in a pub garden (43%), whilst over a third fancied a winter picnic (37%). More daring diners are eyeing up alpine-style huts (11%) or even pop-up igloos (7%) for their next chilly feast.
A whopping 82% of Brits have confessed to rekindling their love affair with traditional winter comfort foods this year, according to recent findings.
Vickie Rogerson comments: “In my opinion hot, bubbling cheese is the ultimate convivial centrepiece, and the data shows its appeal is strongest among younger generations who are seeking fun, social dining experiences at home.
“We’re seeing consumers elevating their at-home entertaining, and our convenient, versatile range ensures they can easily recreate these genuine alpine classics and make their own memorable, shared moments.”
Here’s a rundown of the top 20 dishes Brits are salivating over this winter:.
1. Roast Dinner.
2. Beef Stew.
3. Sausage and mash.
4. Lasagna.
5. Apple Crumble.
6. Spaghetti Bolognese.
7. Cottage Pie.
8. Shepherd’s Pie.
9. Soup.
10. Jacket Potato.
11. Curry.
12. Chilli Con Carne.
13. Mac and Cheese.
14. Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
15. Cauliflower Cheese.
16. Hotpot.
17. Jam Roly Poly.
18. Bread and butter pudding.
19. Fondue.
20. Raclette.
