LONDON — Forget a delicious turkey or Dr. Seuss’ “roast beast,” the humble roast potato is the best part of a Christmas dinner, a recent survey finds.
The poll of 2,000 adults found this side dish takes the top spot, followed by turkey and pigs in a blanket. The least favored choices include mint sauce, roast carrots, and pork and apple stuffing. Although, controversially, seven percent of respondents in the United Kingdom claim peas are their favorite part of the entire Christmas meal.
“There is a lot to look forward to when it comes to Christmas day eating,” says Nigel Birrell, CEO of Lottoland, which commissioned the poll, in a statement.
“Whether you’re roasting them in goose fat or trying them in the air fryer, roast potatoes are one of the best things about Christmas and I’m glad to see them taking pride of place this year.”
When it comes to meat, turkey could be on its way out, with 18 to 24-year-olds confessing they are most likely to favor roast chicken and beef over the traditional Christmas turkey. Conversely, adults over 65 are overwhelmingly in favor of sticking with the traditional bird, with 39 percent voting it the top dinner choice at Christmas.
Older respondents were also most likely to stick behind Brussel sprouts, with more than one in five (21%) crowning them the winner, compared to just five percent of the 25 to 34-year-olds. Regardless of what’s on the plate, it appears that Christmas day lunch outshines all competition when it comes to festive foods.
The main event was closely followed by mince pies, Christmas pudding, and cheese boards for yuletide favorites. More than one in 10 (11%) of the 35 to 44-year-olds claim spiced wine is the best festive treat.
The research also shows that our penchant for sugar wanes as we get older, with 18 to 24-year-olds preferring gingerbread and hot chocolate over a Christmas roast. Meanwhile, people over 65 were the least likely to favor the chocolate treats.
Surprisingly, one in five (21%) adults between 25 and 34 claim they don’t have any festive favorites at all, according to the figures by OnePoll.
“The research does show our tastes differ when it comes to age and gender, but I think it’s safe to say, there is no better time than Christmas for great food – it’s hard to narrow it down to a top 10,” Birrell says.
Top 10 Christmas Dinner Items:
- Roast potatoes
- Roast turkey
- Pigs in blankets
- Yorkshire puddings
- Brussel sprouts
- Sage and onion stuffing
- Roast parsnips
- Gravy
- Roast chicken
- Roast beef
Report by South West News Service writer Charlotte Minett
