Mars Food survey: sliced bread best thing since … 1963

Nearly a third (29%) of almost 2,000 shoppers named sliced bread as the food item they could not live without, in a survey commissioned by the firm to celebrate its 50 years in food manufacturing.

Cooking sauces from a jar were the best thing after sliced bread, picked by a quarter of those surveyed as their most important store cupboard essential.

Garlic paste or pre-chopped garlic was chosen by 8% and 7% selected frozen potatoes.

The nation’s favourite dish​

Meanwhile, a roast meal was the nation’s favourite dish – pushing curry into third place. About two-thirds of Britons reach for a roasting tray every Sunday lunch, rising to 80% in the North East.

In a surprise development, spaghetti bolognese claimed the spot as the nation’s second favourite meal, favoured by 60% of consumers.

Curry, often touted as Britain’s favourite food, appeared in third place, preferred by 51% of those surveyed.

The next most popular meal was that doughty British classic sausages and mash.

“These results clearly show that our palattes have become a melting pot of flavours with our top three meals enjoying origins from three very different regions,”​ according to the report.  “We may be keeping open minds and mouths to new flavours, but the fact a British classic comes out on top shows we remain committed to our roots.” ​

Changing preferences​

Over the past 50 years, the report charts the changing preferences – from in the 1960s, iceberg wedge salad and steak diane to fusion foods and superfoods in the 2000s.

Two top trends over the period were a willingness to try foods from other regions of the world and the growing popularity of cooking as a hobby, said Caroline Yeldham, the food historian who contributed to the report.

“Many of us look for help with ideas, techniques and ingredients which give us confidence in producing healthy and delicious meals that are tailored to our preferences​,” said Yeldham. “This is where manufacturers such as Mars Food UK have played such a significant role.”​

Over the next 50 years the twin trends of food experimentation and convenience will continue, she predicted.

“Food inspiration is all around us – anyone is able to carry the internet into the supermarket to find recipes on the move – which broaden our palettes and minds even further,” ​said Yeldham.

Changing food landscape​

1960s ​– Iceberg wedge salad, steak diane, beef wellington

1970s​ – Prawn cocktail, guacamole, Indian food, instant mash

1980s​ – Chicken Kiev, Indian food, sushi

1990s​​ – Rocket and exotic leaves, pesto and sundried tomatoes

2000s​ – Fusion foods, superfoods and wholegrains.

Source: Mars Food

Indispensible foods​