Is YOUR favourite on Britain's happiest food list?
We're a nation full of food lovers. From classics like spaghetti Bolognese to naughty weekend treats like pizza, us Brits LOVE our food - it makes us seriously happy, don't you agree?
We're a nation full of food lovers. From classics like spaghetti Bolognese to naughty weekend treats like pizza, us Brits LOVE our food - it makes us seriously happy, don't you agree?
A recent study by Bupa suggests that there is in fact a link between food and happiness - which we, of course, already knew!
Not only do certain foods make us happier than others, they also have memories attached with them too - like that mouth-watering paella your whole family tucked into on your first trip to Spain, or what about that warming apple crumble your grandma used to make you when you were a little one?
So, the burning question is - which food is making us Brits the happiest? There's only one way to find out...
10. Spaghetti Bolognese
Get the recipe: Classic spaghetti Bolognese
At number 10 is the Italian classic, spaghetti Bolognese. We can definitely see why this traditional dish has made it into the top 10. Not only is it super easy to make at home, it's a massive winner with the kids as they'll eat it - without any complaint! Now there's a reason to be happy, maybe even ecstatic!
9. Curry
Get the recipe and more curry recipes
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Whether homemade or a cheeky takeaway on a Saturday night, curry has been voted one of our happiest foods. It warms us through, comes in a whole host of varieties from korma to masala, and is served with plenty of sides - which we have no reason to feel guilty about eating. After all, what's a curry without some rice, naan bread, onion bhaji, samosa... The list goes on!
8. Steak and chips
Get the recipe and more steak recipes
Ah, steak and chips - the ultimate man food. This meat feast is voted at number 8 in making us happy, happy, happy! It doesn't matter if you're a medium rare or a well-done kind of person, steak just makes us jump for joy along with a plate of crispy golden chips of course. Bring it on.
7. Pizza
Get the recipe and more pizza recipes
At number 7 is the glorious Italian (do we detect a theme?) pizza. Topped with whatever you have in the cupboard or fridge, you just can't go wrong with a family-sized pizza. This food is for sharing so it's no wonder it makes us feel all warm and fuzzy eating it when surrounded by our friends and family.
6. Apple crumble
Get the recipe: Classic apple crumble
Just like grandma used to make! Apple crumble is comfort food at its finest. Whether it's drizzled in cream or smothered in custard, apple crumble is a real winner in our eyes (we even thought it was worthy of the number one slot?!) and had 31% of the happiest food vote. A big slice of apple crumble with plenty more crumble than filling – what more can we say?
5. BBQ
Get the recipe and more BBQ recipes
The sun's out, quick. Wheel out the BBQ! At number 5 of Britain's happiest foods is the good old BBQ. Often a rare appearance what with our unpredictable weather and all that, when the BBQ is out – it's OUT. The extended family are over, your dining room table has been dragged out into the garden, there's a mini paddling pool, inflatable toys and you've got tons of meat steaming away on the grill. Big smiles all round we'd say!
4. Strawberries and cream
Get the recipe and more strawberry recipes
Another summer favourite when the sun decides to make an appearance, strawberries and cream. 30% of Brits in the study said strawberries and cream made them happy – really happy, and we know why. Sweet and simple, this match made in heaven just makes you melt and relax no matter how bad your day has been. It can turn the toughest nut into a big ball of goo.
3. Fish and chips
Get the recipe and more fish and chip recipes
Walking along Brighton peer, getting attacked by seagulls in Swanage or just crowded around the TV watching Britain's Got Talent, you can't beat traditional fish and chips. We're talking golden battered cod and vinegar drizzled chips. We're talking mushy peas and chip shop curry sauce. Oh, now we've got fish and chips on the brain!
2. Roast dinner
Get the recipe and more roast dinner recipes
Roast dinner has to be one of the most popular family meals going. All gathered around the table on a Sunday aftenoon plates piled high with Yorkshire puds, roast potatoes, carrots, peas, roast chicken... You name it. We've got a big smile on our faces just thinking about roast dinner - let alone eating it!
1. Ice cream
Get the recipe and more ice cream recipes
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream - yes, you guessed it, the number one food that makes us Brits happier than ever is, ice cream! 33% of Brits said ice cream reminded them most of childhood memories. Everyone of us can remember running after the ice cream man with pennies in hand, ready to buy our 99 with a flake of course. Or what about ice cream oysters? Screwballs? Or even just a big scoop of mint choc chip would make us one happy bunny. Yes, ice cream is the sure cure for the blues.
Is YOUR favourite on Britain's happiest food list? No? Well comment below to tell us your favourite and why it makes your happy!
Jessica Dady is Food Editor at GoodtoKnow and has over 12 years of experience as a digital editor, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the must-buy seasonal food hampers and advent calendars for Christmas to the family-friendly air fryers that’ll make dinner time a breeze, Jessica loves trying and testing various food products to find the best of the best for the busy parents among us. Over the years of working with GoodtoKnow, Jessica has had the privilege of working alongside Future’s Test Kitchen to create exclusive videos - as well as writing, testing, and shooting her own recipes. When she’s not embracing the great outdoors with her family at the weekends, Jessica enjoys baking up a storm in the kitchen with her favourite bakes being chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, and a tray of gooey chocolate brownies.
-
Why do I crave sugar? Causes of sugar cravings and how to stop them
If you're someone who suffers from sugar cravings you'll know how hard it is to give up the sweet stuff. But you're not alone.
By Debra Waters Published
-
Low sodium diet: the benefits of reducing salt and what foods to eat
By Emily-Ann Elliott Published