With the Christmas season kicking off, new research surveyed the nation to discover the UK’s favourite Christmas foods, drinks and treats.
The results confirmed turkey roast as the traditional centrepiece but it was also revealed that Brits really love brussel sprouts, that a lot opt for vegan mains and that they would choose a cheese plate for dessert rather than something sweet.
Ahead of the year’s most anticipated dinner, tech retailer Currys surveyed the nation, asking them to pick their favourite Christmas foods, drinks, treats, and habits.
The study revealed that the traditional roast Turkey still reigns as the favourite Christmas centrepiece across the UK with over half (54%) of respondents claiming this is the main that will be featured on most dinner plates this festive season.
Following far behind in joint second place, 22% of Brits opt for roast beef or roast chicken as their Christmas plate main instead.
The survey also revealed that nearly a quarter of Brits will be opting for vegetarian mains on Christmas Day this year, the most popular choice being stuffed mushrooms, followed by nut roast and veggie Wellington.
Brussels sprouts defy their reputation and are crowned the UK’s third favourite Christmas trimming
When it comes to the Christmas trimmings, the humble potato takes the lead with nearly a quarter (24%) of all respondents saying roast potatoes are non-negotiable at Christmas. These are followed by pigs in blankets (20%) while, perhaps unexpectedly, Brussels sprouts came third as the most anticipated trimming by 1 in 10 Brits.
As for condiments, the classic complimentary sauce for turkey will still feature on the plate for the majority with 28% choosing cranberry sauce, however, 16% will be having mint sauce instead, despite roast lamb not being named as a top meat choice.
Surprisingly though for what is essentially a British roast, only 44% of respondents said they will be having gravy with their meal, meaning over half will be eating their Christmas dinner without this staple.
Bring us a figgy pudding as the traditional yuletide dessert reigns supreme
Although dinner plates are typically piled high, there’s always room for something sweet.
The study confirmed that Christmas pudding is still the favourite dessert following the main meal for more than a quarter of Brits (26%). Boomers particularly favour the traditional yuletide dessert, with 40% of those over 55s highlighting it as their top post-Christmas dinner treat.
Overall, mince pies are the second favourite choice (21%), while a cheese board surprisingly ranks third, despite not being a sweet dish.
Brits prefer a basic bevvy of wine, beating out baileys as the favourite festive tipple
When asked what they prefer to drink on the big day, it seems that sticking to the basics is what the majority of Brits prefer. Over a fifth (22%) chose wine as their Christmas tipple, compared with just 15% who will be sipping on a Baileys and 12% on champagne or prosecco.
For one in ten Brits, the first glass of booze is poured as soon as breakfast, however, the majority choose to remain sober until lunch, with a quarter starting their drinks then and 17% abstain from alcohol entirely, spending the holiday sober.
